Spouses who are in the United States in F-2 status are not permitted to engage in full time study. They may only engage in study that USCIS defines as “avocational or recreational in nature”.
If a spouse intends to pursue full time educational program, he or she must apply to USCIS for a change to F-1 status.
Minor children in F-2 status may study full time but only in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through 12th grade). If they intend to pursue post-secondary education, they must apply for F-1 visa status.
Holders of F-2 visas are not allowed to work in the United States.
