Non-immigrant visa group created for M1 visa holders’ dependents is the M2 visa, which lets married children and under-21 children accompany the main M1 visa holder to the United States. This thorough manual will help you negotiate the process, criteria, advantages, and usual inquiries if you plan to get an M2 visa in 2025.
What is The M2 Visa?
The M2 visa is given to M1 visa holders’ dependents—married partners and children—attending vocational or non-academic U.S.-registered training courses. It lets dependents remain off in the United States. for the length of the M1 visa holder’s program.
Features of M2 Visa
It lets dependents to follow the M1 visa owner. Here are some features:
- Valid for the same length as the M1 visa.
- Those who have M2 cannot work nor complete full-time study
- Can fly domestically while retaining to level
Eligibility standards for M2 visa
M2 visa candidates must meet these criteria:
- An M1 visa holder’s legal wife or unmarried child (under 21).
- Show evidence of relationship with the M1 visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Show financial support adequate to pay bills while living 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 next documents need to be submitted:
- Passport with at least six months of validity beyond the planned stay.
- online non-immigrant visa application form ds-160
- Passport-sized pictures (as per U. S. VIEWPOINT) help one requirement for a visa photo)
- Marriage certificate, spouses
- For those 21 years old or younger, birth certificate
- Evidence of financial backing (bank statements, sponsorship letters, etc.
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) for M1 visa holders
- enrollment evidence for a vocational course for M1 visa holders
- Visa appointment letter agreed upon with assistant
Processing time and costs for M2 Visa
- application fee of $185
- For M2 candidates, the SEVIS Fee is not mandatory.
- Processing time: 2-6 weeks (depends on country and embassy workload)
M2 Visa Restrictions and Limitations
- Work: U.S. citizens on the M2 visa are not permitted to do so.
- M2 kids: They might start going to school (K-12) but will not be able to apply for full-time university courses.
- Change of Status: M2 visa holders may change to other visa categories if eligible.
Validity and extension of M2 Visa
- Good for the exact timeframe of the M1 visa.
- If the course of the M1 visa holder is extended, this can be stretched.
Benefits
- Permits families to remain together throughout the M1 visa recipient’s educational period.
- Help children to go to the United States. private or public schools.
- M2 visa holders have free movement inside and outside the country.
Typical causes of denial of M2 visa
Here are some typical reasons for denial:
- inaccurate documentation
- Wrong financial support
- Suspicion of intent to immigrate
- Fraudulent statements of relationship
- M2 visa applicant process
- Start by filling out Form DS-160.
Application Process
- Every M2 visa application must be completed online at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website using the DS-160 form. Upon finishing, an identifier page with a barcode will be produced that must be printed out for the interview.
- Secondly, covers the Visa Application Fee.
- Officially, the M2 visa costs $185 (as of 2025). Payment can be made online via specified bank services or personally at the U.S. embassy if not consulate.
- The consular officer will during the interview ask questions to check the candidate’s ties to the M1 visa holder and to evaluate financial adequacy. Make sure you have every necessary document.
FAQs
1. Do M2 visa holders from the United States work?
M2 visa holders are not allowed to be employed in the United States.
2. Could a holder of an M2 visa seek a Green Card?
M2 visa holders not qualified to apply for a Green Card may consider other visa choices.
3. How long does visa processing take place?
The visa processing time is 2-6 weeks.