F-2 Dependents

The spouse or children (under the age of 21) of an F-1 student may accompany them to the U.S. as F-2 dependents. The F-1 student must provide documentation to show they can financially support their dependents. Each F-2 dependent will be issued an I-20 document and must apply for an F-2 visa.

An F-2 dependent’s status and eligibility to stay in the U.S. is based on the primary F-1 visa holder’s status. For example, if the F-1s I-20 document is extended, the F-2’s I-20 will also be extended. If the F-1 student’s status is terminated, the F-2’s status will also be terminated.

Any F-2 child that turns 21 years old (“ages out”), must change to another status fi they wish to stay in the U.S.

As part of the check-in/arrival process, the F-1 must upload copies of each F-2 dependent’s immigration documents (passport, visa, I-94) to the Personal and Program page in their ISSS Portal and click “yes” to indicate the dependent has arrived in the U.S.

F-2s are permitted to study part-time at the postsecondary level even if that part-time study counts towards a degree. If an F-2 dependent wishes to pursue full-time (non-recreational) study, they must change status to F-1. F-2 children can study full-time at the K-12 level and must comply with state law as it relates to K-12 education enrollment requirements.

F-2 spouses and children are not eligible for employment.

Adding F-2 Dependents

If you are a new student who has applied to the university and intend for your spouse/children to accompany you to the U.S., you should include this information on the F-1 Declaration of Finances form required by International Admissions after you have been admitted to your new program.

If you are already in the U.S. and have decided to bring your dependents afterwards, you should submit an Add Dependent Request in the ISSS Portal.

For more information regarding F-2 dependents, please review the Study in the States website about Bringing Dependents to the United States.