M2 Visa

M-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to the spouse and children of a qualified M-1 student

M2 visa details:

The M2 visa is a type of non-immigrant family visa that allows the immediate family members of M1 visa holders to enter and remain in the United States. M1 student visa is also a non-immigrant category, authorizing aliens to engage in a full course of vocational or non-academic study in the U.S.

In general, the M2 status holder can remain in the US as long as the principal M1 holder remains in legal status. More clearly, M2 holders lose their status once the principal applicant loses M1 status. M-2 dependent visa holders are also permitted to change their status in the country.

One can enjoy the following privileges on M-2 visa:

The M-2 holder can;

• enter the country with his/her spouse or join him/her later.
• travel in and out of the country, or stay in the country continuously as long as he/she maintains a valid status.

Note: Once the M-2 children reach their 21st birthday, they are no longer qualified for M-2 status. Similarly, if the spouse divorces the M-1 status holder, he/she loses legal M-2 status.

Study and Employment:

The M2 child can attend a full-time elementary or secondary school. The law also allows the M-2 status holders (both spouse and child) to participate in vocational or recreational schools. But, a person holding M-2 dependent visa is unable to seek admission in a University.

Under any circumstances, M2 status holders are not permitted to earn income in the country. More clearly, the M2 holders can not accept any employment. If they wish to work in the country, they must change or adjust status to obtain a non-immigrant work visa, which is a temporary approval to live and work in the country.

Extension of stay:

The M2 visa holder is also allowed to apply for extension of stay. One can extend his/her stay by submitting Form I-539, which is used as Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status, to the USCIS. The application must be submitted at least 15 (but not more than 60) days before the holder’s approved stay in the country expires.

Documents required for M2 dependent visa application:

To apply for a M2 visa, the applicants need the following;

• Completed Form DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application), Form DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application), DS-158;
• Valid passport (at least 6 months);
• Two identical passport-size photos;
• Older passports containing previous visas;
• Documents proving previous lawful status in United States;
• Marriage registration certificate (original copy);
• Wedding ceremony photos/wedding invitation;
• Original birth certificate for each child;
• Copies of spouse's passport (all 36 pages), including a copy of their valid U.S. visa;
• Copy of spouse's Form I-20M-N ( Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant M-1 student status);
• Non-refundable application fee; and
• Reciprocity fee, if applicable.