Embassy of the United States

Student (F/M) & Exchange Visitor (J)

Dependent (F2, M2, J2) Visas

The children under 21 years old and spouses of student (F1 or M1) or exchange visitor (J1) visa applicants may apply for "derivative" F2, M2 and J2 visas to accompany or follow to join the principal applicant in the United States. Derivative visas are unavailable to the parents, in-laws or adult sons and daughters of the principal applicant.

First-time and returning F2, M2 or J2 applicants must schedule an appointment through Visa Information Web Services at www.us-visaservices.com by calling 003-08-131-420 within Korea or 866-222-1107 within the U.S. (M-F, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, except Korean and U.S. holidays).  

Purchasing a PIN for a flat fee will allow applicants to access additional information and schedule up to five appointments for immediate family members. We strongly encourage accompanying family members to apply with the principal applicant. 

Please note instructions below if applying separately from the principal applicant.

F2/M2/J2 spouses and any F2/M2/J2 children age 14 years old and older must be present at the interview and are required to be finger scanned.

F2/M2/J2 children 13 years old and under DO NOT need to come to the Embassy for an interview and finger scanning. The child's parents may bring in the child's application at the time of child's interview and apply on the child's behalf.

If applying separately from the primary applicant:

Note: Children 13 years old and under may apply via Embassy-approved courier, Ilyang (1588-0002) or Hanjin (1588-0011), if the primary applicant has already been issued an F1, M1 or J1 visa. F2/M2/J2 spouses and any F2/M2/J2 children age 14 years old and older are required to schedule appointments and come to the U.S. Embassy for an interview and finger scanning following the same procedures outlined above.

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with any plastic/leather cases removed. 
  (Note 1: A passport with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States is required for certain countries, unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions.  Korean and certain other country passports are exempt from this requirement.)
• A completed and signed Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (E-form DS-156 with photo (See "photo requirements" for the DS-156) for each applicant. F2, M2 and J2 visa applicants are required to use the e-form DS-156.
• A completed Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157), Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is required to be submitted with Form DS-156 by all male nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants between the age of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality or place of application.
• A completed Contact Information And Work History For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (DS-158) for aged 16 and above applicants.
• A receipt from the Shinhan Bank for the visa application fee for each applicant. The fee may be paid at any of the bank's branches in Korea. There is a branch only a short walk from the Embassy; Click here for map. A receipt showing payment of the visa application fee for each applicant, including each child listed in a parent's passport who is also applying for a U.S. visa, is needed.  *Please see exceptions below.
• Your old passport containing your previously issued F/M/J visa, if applying for a renewal.
• Original SEVIS Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20) or SEVIS Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor Status (DS-2019). The I-20/DS-2019 must be signed in blue ink by you and by the designated school official.
• A courier receipt from an Embassy-approved courier company within Korea. Courier forms are available through the Ilyang (1588-0002; www.ilyanglogis.com) or Hanjin (1588-0011; www.hanjin.co.kr) courier companies.

Note: The consular officer may request additional information if needed.

*All current Korean diplomats and accredited diplomats to Korea, and their children under 21 years old who are applying for F2/M2/J2 visas with their diplomatic passports or equivalent are not required to pay the MRV processing fee at Shinhan Bank.  Please note that the MRV processing fee is different from the SEVIS fee, which is paid online at www.fmjfee.com. 

Can F2, M2 and J2 visa holders attend public school?

Yes, a dependent of an F1, M1 or J1 visa holder may attend public schools during the principal applicant's stay in the U.S. The dependent must depart the U.S. at the conclusion of the principal applicant's stay.
 

Updated: November 13, 2009.