Dehai Tao - Law Firm - US Immigration Law

Welcome to Dehai Tao P.C.

This land flourished because it was fed from so many sources – because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples. - Lyndon B. Johnson

"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in.. And how many want out." ― Tony Blair

"We came to America, either ourselves or in the persons of our ancestors, to better the ideals of men, to make them see finer things than they had seen before, to get rid of the things that divide and to make sure of the things that unite." Woodrow Wilson

"The bosom of America is open to receive not only the Opulent and respected Stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all Nations and Religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges…" George Washington

"We are a nation of immigrants. We are the children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the ones who wanted a better life, the driven ones, the ones who woke up at night hearing that voice telling them that life in that place called America could be better."

You can go to live in France, but you can’t become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Italy, but you can’t become a German, an Italian or for that matter any country in the world. But anyone, from any corner of the world, can come to live in the United States and become an American

"Let the poor the needy and oppressed of the Earth, and those who want Land, resort to the fertile lands of our western country, the second land of Promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment." -George Washington

"It says something about our country that people around the world are willing to leave their homes and leave their families and risk everything to come to America. Their talent and hard work and love of freedom have helped make America the leader of the world. And our generation will ensure that America remains a beacon of liberty and the most hope fill society this world has ever known." ..... George W. Bush

"When my family came from England during the war, people said, "You are welcome here. What can we do to help?" I am a beneficiary of the American people’s generosity"..Madeleine Albrighth

"Yes, they broke the law, but it’s not a felony. It’s an act of love, it’s an act of commitment to your family" -- Jeb Bush

What is F-2 dependent visa?

The F-2 dependent visa is a non immigrant visa which allows dependent spouses and children(unmarried, under 21 years old) of F-1 student visa holders to enter into the U.S.

What privileges do I enjoy on F2 visa?

On F2 visa, you may:

Enter the U.S. along with your spouse or join him or her later
Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. continuously as long as you maintain valid F-2 status

How long can I stay in the U.S. on F-2 visa?

You may stay in the U.S. as long as the principal F-1 visa holder maintains valid status. You lose your status once the principal applicant loses F-1 status.

Can I work on F-2 visa?

No, you may not take up paid employment while in the U.S. on F-2 visa.

Can I study on F-2 visa?

As an F-2 spouse you may not engage in full time study and F-2 child may only engage in full time elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade) study. F-2 spouse or child may engage in a study that is avocational or recreational in nature.

How do I apply for F-2 visa?

To apply for F-2 visa, you must submit:

Completed Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, for dependents that is issued to the F-2 dependent.
If Applying at a U.S. consulate:
Filled in Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
One recent color photograph (37 x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering
A passport, valid for travel to the U.S. for at least six months longer than your intended visit
If Applying for a change of status, Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant status:
Copy of you marriage certificate in case you are a dependent spouse
Copy of birth certificate if you are a dependant child below 21 years of age
Evidence of sufficient funds for your support
Evidence that you will depart when the student's education is completed

Note: If you are joining the prospective student later, you will need to submit Form I-20 A-B, endorsed from the school that the F-1 student is attending.

Where do I apply for F-2 visa?

On F2 visa, you may:

If you are in a lawful status in the U.S., submit the change of status application to a USCIS Service Center in the U.S.
If you are outside the U.S., submit the visa application to the U.S. consular office where you reside

How long can I stay in the U.S. on F-2 visa?

If you are applying for a change of status at a USCIS Service Center the processing time will vary according to case load.

If you are applying for a visa at a U.S. Consulate, and your visa is approved your passport will be returned to you by courier within a few days of the interview.

Can I extend my stay while on F-2 visa?

F-1 and F-2 are admitted for 'duration of stay'. As long as the principal F-1 maintains status as a student the F-2 is not required to seek extension of stay.

Can I change status while on F-2 visa?

Yes, you may apply for change of status while on F-2 visa.

However you can not take up the new activity/endeavor until the change of status is approved.

Are there any travel restrictions on F2 visas?

No, there are no travel restrictions on F-2 visa. You may travel as many times as possible, provided you maintain valid F status.