I am in F-2 status as a dependent wife of an F-1 student. Three months ago, my husband left the U.S. to visit his ill father; and I remained in the U.S. …

…His father got considerably worse and my husband has been taking care of him since his arrival in his parents’ home. Because of his father’s condition, he has to stay abroad for a few more months. Is my F-2 status in jeopardy while my husband is away?

Answer

F-2 status depends on the validity of the F-1 status of his or her spouse or parent. While an F-1 student can briefly leave the U.S. without affecting the validity of the F-2 spouse who remains in the U.S., the regulations do not specify at what point the F-2 status lapses because the F-1 student is absent from the U.S. However, if the F-1’s absence lasts five months or more, under the current regulations, it is presumed that this would not only result in the F-1 student’s inability to reenter the U.S. as a continuing student, but would also end the validity of the F-2 dependent’s status. (12.Dec.2014)

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