F-2 Dependent Information
F-1 students may bring their spouse and minor, unmarried children under the age of 21 to accompany them during their studies as F-2 dependents. F-2 dependents are primarily in the U.S. to accompany the F-1 student; as such, F-2 dependents may not work. F-2 children may study in primary and secondary schools (i.e., K-12). F-2 dependents may not engage in degree-seeking college or university study.
Continuing students who wish to bring their spouse and/or children to the U.S. in F-2 status may submit a request for F-2 dependent I-20s. Please submit the following documents:
- New Visa Certificate form;
- Financial documents showing $5000 for each dependent;
- Copies of the passport identification pages for each dependent.
Once an I-20 has been issued, the F-2 dependents may apply for F-2 visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Visit http://www.usembassy.gov/ to find links to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world for visa application information. If your spouse and/or children are currently in the U.S. in another immigration status and wish to change their status to F-2, please schedule an appointment with your ISA advisor for information on that process.
