Can I Bring My Parents to the USA While Studying? Best Method How to; If you’re looking to study in the United States, you may be able to bring your parents with you using the F-2 visa.
This visa will allow them to stay in the country for up to five years and also gives them the ability to work while they’re here.
This can be an excellent opportunity for you, but there are a few things that you need to consider before applying to make sure that everything runs smoothly after their visas have been approved. We’ll go over everything you need to know below.
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What Is an F1 Visa
An F1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that provides international students coming to study in the United States with a renewable one-year authorization to stay and engage in full or part-time study at an accredited university. F1 visa holders can also be accompanied by their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age.
Applying for an F1 visa does not guarantee that you will be granted entry into the United States, only that you can apply. After arrival in America, your student visa is initially good for up to one year and a total of four years maximum within a five-year period. F1 holders are required to enroll full-time while studying on a student visa.
The decision to extend your F1 visa is one you will have to make yourself. On a positive note, it is possible for an F1 visa holder to stay in America after completion of their studies. However, if your parents would like to visit you from overseas, they cannot do so on an F2 visa as it does not apply for dependent family members. Instead, they will need their own type of non-immigrant visa.
Required Documents
1. Form DS-160 -online and printable-can be found on the US Embassy website
2. Proof of financial support (bank statement showing funds)
3. Passport valid for at least six months past the intended period of stay in the US
4. Proof of student status (i.e., school letter, acceptance letter, enrollment document, etc.)
5. One passport photo
6. Unexpired foreign visa if applicable
7. Photocopy of your round-trip or onward ticket
8. Letter from your parents stating that they are aware you will study in the United States
9. Original birth certificate issued by a national authority
10. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from the sponsor if you have one
What Are The Requirements for an F1 Visa
An F1 visa allows for international students to come study in the United States. For many students, it may also be a great opportunity for their parents to come visit and learn more about what life is like in America. If you want your parents or other family members to visit during your time in America, they can visit as long as they don’t work, study or live permanently. However, before you bring them with you on your F1 visa, be sure that you have planned out every detail.
This is an extension of your F1 visa, and as such will be granted for only as long as you are a student. It is typically good for up to two years at a time. If you plan on bringing your parents with you on an F2 visa, they must submit a petition prior to their arrival in America. This includes submitting proof that you are enrolled at least half-time in school or college.
When To Start Application
The application process for a F-1 student who wants to bring his or her parents is pretty simple. It consists of only two forms. The first is a form called Form I-20A, which you have to complete when applying for your visa.
The second is a form known as DS-2019, which will be issued once you arrive in the US. You need this form before starting school and in order to apply for an extension of stay should you decide that you want your family with you after graduation.
Conclusion
Most international students know they will have to live without their parents while they are studying in the US. When it comes time for them to leave, they get a lot of pressure from their families, professors and friends.
In this situation, should you bring your parents with you when you come to study in America? There are pros and cons associated with this decision. To help you make an informed decision we’ve put together a quick guide on some of these considerations.