Looking for advice! My spouse is currently outside the U.S., and I want them to join me as soon as possible. I’m on an F-1 visa (OPT), and I’m considering three options:
Apply for an F-1 visa directly
Apply for an F-2 spouse visa
Enter on a B1/B2 visa and change status in the U.S.
Which option would be the best? Has anyone been in a similar situation and can share their experience? Would really appreciate any insights!
If your biggest priority is seeing your spouse quickly, why not do F2? A dependent visa seems the most straightforward…
I’d also go with F2, and if they see any opportunity, then still have time to change to F1. F1 visa is hard to get nowadays.
F2 is a safe option. but if you want to speed things up, b1/b2 is faster. she can apply for b1/b2 and do cos once arrived the US
Hey, I went through something similar earlier this year — it’s definitely stressful, so I totally get where you’re coming from.
If your spouse doesn’t plan to study, F-2 is the safest and cleanest route. It’s directly tied to your F-1, and as long as you’re in status (especially on OPT), they can stay with you. The main downside is no work authorization, but for just being together, it works.
F-1 for your spouse only makes sense if they genuinely want to study full-time and handle the pressure of visa interviews, tuition, and all that. Plus, the chances of denial can be higher if it looks like they’re just using it to be with you.
B1/B2 + COS — honestly, I wouldn’t recommend. It can work, but it’s risky. USCIS is super strict about “intent,” and trying to switch to F-2 or F-1 from a visitor visa raises a lot of red flags. I know someone who got stuck in a long processing delay and had to leave anyway.
If the goal is just to reunite and stay safe status-wise, I’d say go with F-2and have all your paperwork tight (I-20 copy, proof of status, maybe an employer letter if you’re working on OPT).
Hope this helps — happy to share more if you’re still figuring it out. You’re not alone in this.
my wife is on f2, she doesn;t have a job yet. If we both get a job in the future, she might need a day1cpt. If you dont have a job now, don’t waste the time on tuition.