Short answer: yes. A spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get F-2 visas once the school issues each of them a dependant I-20. They can live in the US with the student, but F-2 holders cannot work.
Quick answer: F-2 in five points
- Eligible: spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an F-1 student.
- Each dependant needs their own I-20 from the school.
- No SEVIS I-901 fee for F-2 dependants.
- The USD 185 visa application fee still applies per applicant.
- No employment of any kind on F-2.
What can an F-2 spouse do in the US?
An F-2 spouse may study part time at a SEVP certified school, or full time only if the study is avocational, meaning for enjoyment rather than a career. A full time degree programme needs a change of status to F-1 first. An F-2 spouse cannot take any job.
Can F-2 children attend school?
Yes. Minor children in F-2 status may attend kindergarten through twelfth grade full time at any school in the US.
How do we apply from the UAE?
Each family member completes their own DS-160, pays their own visa fee and attends an interview, usually together on the same day. Bring the marriage certificate and birth certificates, along with the student’s I-20 and visa documents. Visa validity for F-2 is the same as F-1 for the countries we checked.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need to be at the interview together?
Families are normally interviewed together, but each person is assessed individually.
Can my spouse join later?
Yes. The school can issue a dependant I-20 at any point, and the spouse can apply when ready.
What documents prove the relationship?
Bring the marriage certificate for a spouse and birth certificates for children, with translations where needed, together with the student’s I-20 and the dependant I-20 for each person.
Can an F-2 spouse switch to F-1 to study full time?
Yes, but the change of status must be approved before full time degree study begins. See our F-1 step by step guide for how the F-1 process works.
Want us to handle the student visa file?
FastUSTravel prepares the DS-160, the student file and your interview preparation for AED 2,500 + VAT per applicant, with the US government visa application fee included. The SEVIS I-901 fee is paid separately by the student, and we cannot promise approval, because that decision is always the consular officer’s. See the F-1 and F-2 student visa service or message us on WhatsApp for a free consultation.
Sources and official references
- US Department of State: Student Visa (checked 10 October 2026)
- Study in the States, Department of Homeland Security (checked 10 October 2026)
- US Mission to the UAE: Visas (checked 10 October 2026)
