Office of International Programs

F-2 Dependents

An F-1 student in valid status may request that a spouse and/or children come to the US as F-2 dependents.

General Information

• F-2 visas are limited to spouses and children
• F-2 dependents may not work in the US.
• F-2 children are allowed to attend US public schools (Kindergarten-12th grade).
• An F-2's status is dependent on the F-1. If the F-1 loses status or leaves the US, the F-2 status also ends.
• F-2 children lose their F-2 status when they marry or reach 21 years of age. If the F-2 child wants to remain in the US, he or she should apply for an independent status prior to the end of the F-2 status.

Process

• If a spouse and/or children will be entering the United States as dependents of a student in F-1 status:
  • Provide proof of additional financial support on the Certification of Financial Responsibility.
  • Provide copies of passports for all parties to be listed as F-2 dependents.
  • Copy of marriage certificate
  • Student in F-1 status signs all dependent I-20's.
  • There is no additional SEVIS fee charged.

If approved for the visa, the F-2 dependents may join the F-1 student for part or all of the F-1's stay (with exception of adult F-2 children mentioned above).