This Sunday, families across the United States will celebrate Father’s Day. Did you know that there are currently more than 14,000 international student fathers with F-2 and M-2 children with them as they study in the United States? 

 

If you are a parent studying with an F-1 or M-1 visa in the United States, it is important that you understand how to bring your dependents with you while you study. A dependent is defined as a spouse or minor child who has been issued a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” and an F-2 or M-2 visa. 

 

Recently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security amended a regulation to offer part-time study opportunities to F-2 and M-2 visa holders. However, it is important to remember that if your child is still in primary or secondary school, your state’s laws may require they attend kindergarten through 12th grade full time. The school the minor attends does not need to be Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified if they are a dependent. However, any part time, post secondary education a dependent wants to enroll in must be in an SEVP-certified school. 

 

The U.S. government knows that the United States is engaged in a global competition to attract international students to study in U.S. schools, and providing F-2 or M-2 nonimmigrants educational opportunities while in the United States will help enhance the experience for many of our visiting families. We encourage you to explore the options for F-2 or M-2 study opportunities in the United States.

 

If you have questions about dependent study opportunities in the United States, read the Adjustments to Designated School Official Limits and Dependent Study Frequently Asked Questions.