The M2 visa, a category within the non-immigrant visa classification, has been established for the dependents of M1 visa holders. This visa permits married children and children under the age of 21 to accompany the principal M1 visa bearer to the United States. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in navigating the procedures, criteria, benefits, and frequently asked questions associated with obtaining an M2 visa.
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What is The M2 Visa?
The M2 visa is granted to the dependents of M1 visa holders, specifically their spouses and children, who are enrolled in vocational or non-academic training programs registered in the United States. It permits dependents to remain in the United States for the duration of the M1 visa holder’s program.
Features of M2 Visa
It permits dependents to accompany the holder of the M1 visa. The following are some characteristics:
- Applicable for the same duration as the M1 visa.
- Individuals holding an M2 designation are precluded from engaging in employment or pursuing full-time academic studies.
- You are permitted to fly domestically while maintaining your current status.
Eligibility standards for M2 visa
Candidates applying for an M2 visa must fulfill the following criteria:
- The legal spouse or unattached child (under the age of 21) of an individual holding an M1 visa.
- Please provide documentation that substantiates your relationship with the M1 visa holder, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover living expenses while residing in the United States.
Financial Proof & Relationship Evidence
| Category | Financial Proof | Relationship Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Demonstrate financial stability to support yourself during your stay. | Prove the genuineness of your relationship with the sponsor or partner. |
| Key Documents | Bank statements, savings certificates, proof of employment, sponsorship letters. | Marriage certificate, photos, communication records, joint financial documents. |
| Specific Requirements | UK Student Visa: £1,400/month in London. UK Spouse Visa: £29,000/year. An M2 Visa Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses without working, as M2 visa holders are not permitted to work | UK Spouse Visa: Evidence of living together. M2 Visa: Proof of relationship. |
| What to Avoid | Undocumented cash, valuables, or borrowed money. | Inconsistent evidence, lack of certified translations, or insufficient proof of contact. |
Documents Needed to Apply for an M2 Visa
The following documents are required for submission:
- A passport must possess a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended duration of stay.
- Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form DS-160
- Passport-sized photographs, in accordance with U.S. VIEWPOINT specifications, fulfill one of the requirements for a visa application photograph.
- Marriage certificate, partners.
- For individuals who are 21 years of age or younger, a birth certificate is required.
- Documentation evidencing financial support, such as bank statements, sponsorship letters, and similar materials.
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) for holders of the M-1 visa.
- Documentation of enrollment for a vocational program for holders of the M1 visa.
- Visa appointment letter confirmed in collaboration with the assistant.
Processing time and costs for M2 Visa
- An application fee in the amount of $185.
- For M2 candidates, the SEVIS Fee is not a requisite.
- Processing duration: 2 to 6 weeks (subject to the specific country and the activity of the respective embassy).
M2 Visa Restrictions and Limitations
- U.S. citizens holding an M2 visa are prohibited from engaging in employment.
- M2 children may commence their education within the K-12 system; however, they will not be eligible to apply for full-time university programs.
- Change of Status: Holders of M2 visas may transition to alternative visa categories, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Validity and extension of M2 Visa
- This is suitable for the specific duration of the M1 visa.
- Should the duration of the M1 visa holder’s course be extended, this may be prolonged accordingly.
Benefits
- Reunification of Families: Permits spouses and children to accompany or join the holder of an M-1 visa in the United States. Facilitates the opportunity for families to remain united while the principal M-1 visa holder fulfills their vocational education requirements.
- Multiple Entries and Exits: The M-2 visa permits its bearers to travel in and out of the United States without restriction, provided that the M-1 visa holder sustains their status.
- Prolonged Residency in the United States: The M-2 visa possesses a validity period that corresponds to that of the M-1 visa, initially permitting a duration of up to one year, with the potential for extensions thereafter. Permits dependents to remain for the entire duration of the M-1 visa holder’s program.
- Authorization for Minors to Pursue Educational Activities: M-2 children are permitted to enroll in U.S. institutions (K-12) without the requirement of obtaining a distinct visa. This affords them the opportunity to access superior educational resources in the United States.
- Potential for Modification of Status: Holders of M-2 visas may submit an application for a change of status to an alternative visa category, such as the F-1 visa, should they desire to engage in academic studies at a university. H-4 visa (in the event that the bearer of an M-1 visa subsequently transitions to an H-1B employment visa).
- No Work Restrictions for the M-1 Holder: The holder of an M-1 visa can concentrate on their vocational training without concern for the immigration status of their family members.
Typical causes of denial of M2 visa
Below are several common grounds for denial:
- imprecise documentation
- Inadequate financial assistance.
- Doubt regarding the intention to immigrate.
- Deceptive representations of interpersonal relationships.
- M2 Visa Application Process
- Commence by completing Form DS-160.
Application Process
- All M2 visa applications are required to be submitted electronically via the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, utilizing the DS-160 form. Upon completion, a page containing an identifier and a barcode will be generated, which must be printed for the interview.
- Secondly, it encompasses the Visa Application Fee.
- The official fee for the M2 visa is $185. Payments may be conducted online through designated banking services or in person at the U.S. embassy, should a consulate not be available.
- During the interview, the consular officer will pose inquiries to assess the candidate’s connections to the M1 visa holder and to evaluate the sufficiency of their financial resources. Please ensure that you possess all requisite documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the M2 visa for the USA?
The M-2 visa is a type of United States visa reserved for the spouse or child of an M-1 student. An M-2 spouse may not work or engage in full-time schooling unless it is recreational.
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How much is the M visa fee?
The MRV application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. There will be no refund of the fee, regardless of whether the visa is ultimately issued or refused. The MRV application fee for visitors and certain other nonimmigrant visa categories will increase from $160 to $185.
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What is the difference between M1 and M2 visas?
There are two types of M visas: M1 and M2. A person who wishes to pursue a non-academic or vocational course uses the M1 visa. The M1 visa holder grants M2 visas to their dependents, including spouses and unmarried minor children.
