Dependent spouses and children holding an F-2 visa and I-20 are not allowed to accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances. There are no exceptions to this rule.
F-2 visa holders can, however, volunteer their time. Volunteering is considered a selfless act of donating your time to the benefit of others. It is not unpaid employment. True volunteers donate their time without expecting anything in return professionally or monetarily.
F-2 dependents may find that volunteering allows them to improve their English skills, find a new community and network, or discover a new hobby.
If you are interested in volunteering, here are some resources to get you started:
