I’m from India and currently living in Kansas on an F-2 visa as the dependent spouse of an international student. My partner is pursuing a graduate degree at a university in Wichita and has another year left before completing the program. I’ve been in the U.S. since August 2023 and want to know if there’s any legal way for me to work while my spouse finishes school. I’ve heard some people apply for work permits or change status, but I’m not sure if that applies to F-2 visa holders like me. What are my realistic options for gaining work authorization while staying in status?

Question

Osahon Ibhadode · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. under any circumstances. The F-2 status is strictly for dependents and does not include work authorization, even for part-time or remote jobs.

Aisulu Nurpeisova · Answer

If you want to work legally, you would need to change your status, most commonly to an F-1 student visa if you enroll in a full-time academic program, or to an H-1B or other employment-based visa if an employer is willing to sponsor you.

Zubair Qureshi · Answer

While you can’t work, F-2 spouses are allowed to study part-time or full-time at many institutions. This could help you work toward future employment options, especially if you later switch to F-1 and qualify for OPT or CPT work authorization.

Navdeep Kaur

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