I'm curious if someone on an F2 visa can study while they're in the U.S. Are there restrictions or specific programs they can enroll in? Would love to know how to navigate this situation.
An F2 visa is a non-immigrant type of visa that is designated for the dependents (spouses and children under 21 years old) of F1 student visa holders. However, the rights to study in the U.S. for F2 visa holders are somewhat limited.
If you are an F2 visa holder and still attending K-12 level education, then you're in luck, as children of F1 student visa holders are allowed full-time participation in elementary or secondary education (K-12).
When it comes to college-level studies, things are a bit different. F2 visa holders are able to engage in part-time study that does not lead to a degree. So, for instance, if you were interested in learning a new language or taking an art class just for the sake of personal enrichment, that would be fine.
Should your plans change and you decide to pursue full-time, degree-oriented education, you would need to switch your visa status from an F2 visa to an F1 visa. This requires filing Form I-539, which comes with its own set of steps and requirements like demonstrating sufficient financial support.
Essentially, while certain restrictions are in place, studying on an F2 visa is possible to a limited extent. It's always advisable to reach out to immigration experts or the international student services office at the institution you're interested in to ensure you're abiding by the conditions of your visa status.
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