The M-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to dependents, meaning a spouse or an unmarried child under 21 years old, of M-1 students traveling to the United States. You typically apply for an M-1 visa as an individual pursuing a vocational or non-academic program.
Here, therefore, is a simple understanding of the whole M-2 process-the financial responsibilities and required documents for accompanying family members with the M-1 student visa.
Application Process for M-2 Visa
To start applying for an M-2 visa, the first step is to complete the DS-160. This is a form for visa applicants to fill in online so that it can gather a host of personal and travel information from them. This form needs to be submitted for every dependent who plans to travel.
- The next important thing is to pay the non-refundable visa application fee which is pegged at $185. The methods used for doing this may vary slightly with each U.S embassy or consulate that you are applying through.
- The next thing you need to do is to schedule an appointment for a visa interview after the fee has been paid. The availability of interviews and how long the waiting period is will depend on the embassy or consulate. Therefore, it is wise to schedule early.
- Before going to the visa interview, the applicant will gather all the required documents, including: a valid passport; DS-160 confirmation page; the visa fee payment receipt; and a passport-sized photo taken within the last six months.
- During this visa interview, the applicant should have ready the relationship he/she has with the bearer of the M-1 visa, applicable to other applicants as he/she should also show that they intend to accompany them temporarily to the United States during their visit.
Financial Requirements for M-2 Visa
For an M-2 visa approval, an applicant should provide reasonable evidence of financial support for living, education, and travel expenditures during the stay in the country. Immigration authoritiesnormally require assurance that M-2 dependents do not constitute a financial burden on the U.S. system.
Most likely, applicants must submit personal or sponsor bank statements indicating sufficient bank balances to support dependents as well as letters of employment from the person or sponsor. Other acceptable proof of income include income tax returns and pay slips. An affidavit of support might be needed when the sponsor is the one providing support.
If applicable, scholarship letters or official documents confirming financial aid can also be submitted. All financial documents must, therefore, be current and must show clearly that the M-2 dependent has sufficient funds to reside in the United States legally and well.
Key Documents Required
The M-2 visa applicant must present a valid passport, which should remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the U.S.
- The applicant must submit the Form I-20 issued by the school that will be attended by the primary M-1 visa holder. This form should specify the particulars of the dependent and confirm the relationship with the primary visa holder.
- Proof of relationship is required. That is, a marriage certificate must be presented if dependent and applicant are husband and wife, while birth certificate(s) are required for children to prove that they are the related children of the M-1 visa holder.
- A passport-sized photograph of the applicant taken recently is another essential requirement. It has to be as per U.S. visa specifications.
- Wherever originals are not in English, certified translations must be offered so that there is no scope left for doubt or misapprehension.
Post-Approval Guidelines for M-2 Visa Holders
It is essential to note what dependents can do and not do in the USA once the M-2 visa is granted. M-2 visa holders are absolutely prohibited from working, whatsoever. This means they are unable to find work in the U.S., which is prohibited unless a specific work authorization is provided, while the M-2 is not one of them.
Concerning study programs, M-2 minors may attend school full-time through elementary and secondary education. Spouses can, however, only pursue part-time recreational or vocational study; they cannot engage in full-time degree programs.
Duration for M-2 dependents is directly related to the status of the primary M-1 visa holder. Thus, if their status changes or expires, so will the M-2 dependent’s visa. Therefore, it is pertinent for both M-1 and M-2 visa holders to keep their status updated and valid.