Can F2 Visa Holder Open a Bank Account
We get the question "Can F2 Visa Holder Open a Bank Account" and here's what you need to know!
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What is an F2 Visa
If you are a F1 Student Visa holder, you can apply for the F2 Visa for your non-immigrant immediate family members to be able to live with you in the United States.
In other words, an F2 Visa is a non-immigrant temporary permit for immediate family members of F1 Visa holders.
For International Students enrolled in United States educational systems, your immediate family such as your spouse and children can come live with you in the United States with the F2 Visa.
While the F2 Visa gives your family access to live in the United States with you, they cannot obtain a job or pursue education unless they are children in Kindergarten – High School (K – 12).
Adults with a F2 Visa can only participate in non-vocational, unaccredited, or recreative type courses.
The following family members of a F1 Visa holder are eligible to receive the F2 Visa to join them in the United States:
- Dependent Spouse
- Children under the age of 21 who are unmarried and are still dependent on the parents
F1 Visa applicants can actually apply for the F2 Visas for their family members at the same time that they apply for their F1 Visa in order to be able to enter the country together.
F1 and F2 Visas are temporary for the “duration of study” and will expire or be renewed if eligible.
Can F2 Visa Holder Open a Bank Account
Yes, an F2 Visa holder can open a bank account as long as the bank account accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of a Social Security Number (SSN).
The ITIN acts like a Social Security Number for non-citizen residents such as those with a F2 Visa.
You can apply for an ITIN by completing Form W-7 via the IRS website.
Most banks, especially smaller banks, require a social security number to open a bank account.
F2 Visa holders are not eligible to receive a SSN because they are not permanent residents, therefore this can be an issue with many banks.
You will want to call several banks to see if they allow non-US Citizens to open a bank account.
Larger banks such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, TD Bank, and US bank will allow non-residents to setup a checking and or savings account.
As mentioned above, you will need an ITIN in lieu of a SNN.
What Documents do I need to Open a US Bank Account as a F2 Visa Holder?
If you are a F2 Visa holder wishing to open a bank account in the United States, you will need to bring the following documents with you when you go to open the accounts:
- Valid passport
- ITIN – Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Immigration documents
- A government issued-ID
- Initial deposit which varies depending on the bank
Conclusion
As you can see, opening a bank account with an F2 Visa is possible as long as you have a valid ITIN number which can be acquired by completing form W-7 from the IRS.
Before opening a bank account, make sure you understand the rules for having an F2 Visa in the United States.
As a reminder F2 Visa holders cannot legally obtain employment in the United States.
Therefore, if you get a job and start receiving direct deposits into your bank account, this will be a red flag and could get you and your family deported.