Introduction
The US M2 Visa is a dependent visa category for family members (spouse and children) of M1 visa holders. M1 visa is specifically related to the vocational students studying in the United States; hence, the family members can join him/her for the duration of the stay. It’s good to be aware of the application processing steps, requirements, fees, and processing time for M2 visas if you want to apply.
US M2 Visa Overview
The M2 visa applies to immediate family members (spouse and children under age 21) of those holding an M1 visa who wish to be with the M1 visa holder in the U.S. while said holder is attending vocational school. The M2 visa is there to allow dependents to stick around during the duration of study for the M1 visa holder but means that they cannot work full time.
M2 Visa-Application Steps
The application steps for the M2 visa include:
- Fill Out the DS-160 Form: The first step involves filling out an online DS-160 form. This form contains information regarding travel, personal information, and historically relevant information for M2 visa application processes.
- Pay the visa fee: Once the DS-160 form has been filled out you must pay the visa fee, which is again specified for the relevant year. The fees are normally around $160. Please check the U.S. embassy or consulate website for the latest fee rates.
- Interview Consultation Committee: After paying the visa application fee, the visa interview needs to be planned at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The first possible date should be discovered, and then any necessary information must be ready.
- Present Appropriate Documentation: For the visa interview process, you will be required to provide the following documents:
- Your valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page tape
- visa fee receipt slip
- Passport images consistent with the required norms
- Relationship evidence with the M1 visa holder for the children (birth certificate) or spouses (marriage certificate)
- Form I-20 for the M1 visa holder also accompanied by a copy of their passport and the visa
- Go for the Interview: During the interview, a consular officer will check if you are eligible for the M2 visa. Be prepared to express your relationship to the M1 visa holder and the intent to follow the visa rules.
- Wait for Visas to Be Stamped in Your Passport: If your visa is approved, they will stamp your passport. Processing times can differ significantly based on the embassy or consulate, so make sure to ask about the expected waiting time.
M2 Visa Requirement
For eligibility for the M2 visa, you must meet the following conditions:
- You are a spouse or an unmarried child below 21 years of age of M1 visa holder.
- You only want to stay in the U.S. temporarily and follow the rules of the visa.
- You are not intending to engage in full-time employment (M2 visa holders cannot seek employment in the United States, but children can go to school).
M2 Visa Fee
The normal application fee for the M2 visa is $160, like with most non-immigrant visa applications. Nevertheless, there may be further charges based upon the country where you are applying or other services demanded by you (visa issuance or rapid processing).
M2 Visa Processing Time
Processing times differ among U.S. embassies and consulates across the location where you apply. The average processing time of M2 visa ought to be 3-5 weeks. Nevertheless, it could be delayed further due to any local demand on interviews and clearance requirements.
Present the documents required for the application, keep the fee and the interview date in mind so that there will be no delay with your application.
Restrictions of M2 Visa
- Work Restrictions: On M2 Visa, you are not allowed full-time work, even if part-time work is allowed. Children on M2 Visa may go to school.
- Travel Restrictions: Everybody on an M2 Visa is free to be in the US but must leave the country if the M1 leaves, or if the M1 student status lapses.
Conclusion
The US M2 visa provides a great opportunity for family units-visas that accompany the M1 visa holder for the extent that the M1 goes on meanwhile for the vocational lessons. One will now be fully aware of the process, eligibility, fees, and timing for any gentle and comprehensive success in the process. Prepare well required documents and fully attend the visa interview.