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

Dependent (F2, M2, J2) Visas

The children under 21 years old and spouse of student (F1 or M1) or exchange visitor (J1) visa applicants may apply for "derivative" visas: F2, M2 and J2 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 (M-F, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, except Korean and U.S. holidays). 

Diplomatic and official passport holders may call 003-08-131-420 to schedule an appointment that is valid for 30 days. 

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 their interview and apply on the child's behalf.

Required Documents

• A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States.
• 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) for each applicant.
• A completed Contact Information And Work History For Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant (DS-158) for each applicant.
• 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.
• 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.
• Financial evidence showing that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for at least one year of the principal applicant's period of study.
• Certificate of Family Relationship (previously referred to as Family Census Registry).  Note in certain cases the Embassy may also ask to see additional documents including Basic Certificate, Certificate of Marital Status, and/or Adoption Certificate.
• A courier receipt from an Embassy-approved courier within Korea. You may get courier receipts at the courier service offices near the Embassy or by contacting either Ilyang (1588-0002) or Hanjin (1588-0011) courier company directly.
• All non-English documents do not need to be translated into English. 

*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. 

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.

• A clear photocopy of the principal applicant's passport, I-20 or DS-2019, and F1, M1 or J1 visa.
• Proof of principal F1, M1 or J1's bona-fide full-time status as a student/exchange or visitor if the principal applicant is already in the U.S. (i.e. transcripts, letter of enrollment, copy of valid/current I-20/DS-2019).

You can now track your passport's delivery on-line!

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.
 

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please go to USA VISA Information Services at http://www.us-visaservices.com. USA VISA Information Services is available 24 hours a day, and can be accessed from both inside and outside of Korea.

For nonimmigrant visa (NIV) inquiries (excluding E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries), please e-mail us at : seoulniv@state.gov. For E, H, L, O, P, Q visa inquiries, please e-mail us at : seoulgoldteam@state.gov.

The applicant, not the U.S. Government, assumes full responsibility for all documents and materials submitted in connection with any consular or visa matter, and for qualifying for the required visa or travel document in time to meet the applicant's needs.

Updated May 22, 2008