International students in F-1 status may bring dependents (spouse and children) to the US in F-2 dependent status. The legal status of your dependent(s) in the US depends upon you maintaining your immigration status in the US. If you fall out of status, your dependent(s) will also fall out of status.

Bringing Your Dependent

To come to the US, your dependent will need both an I-20 and an F-2 visa. Like your own F-1 process, this begins by getting a new I-20 from the OIE.

Requesting an I-20 for an F-2 Dependent

The following documents will be needed to add your dependent to your SEVIS record. Dependent requests are made through iStart

  • Proof of Financial Support: Funds must be available to support your dependent(s) while in the US. You need to show proof that you have the financial means to cover your own expenses plus at least an extra $5,000 per year for each dependent you wish to bring to the US.
  • Dependent Documents: You must provide legal documentation that shows you are the spouse, parent, or legal guardian of the F-2 dependents you would like to have join you in the United States. Same-sex spouses are able to obtain F-2 status as long as the marriage took place in a jurisdiction in which same-sex marriage is recognized.

Once your dependent request is approved the OIE will create an F-2 I-20 for your dependent. 

F-2 Visa Application

Once your dependent receives the F-2 I-20 they will apply for an F-2 visa unless your dependent has a passport from Canada or Bermuda. This process is very similar to the F-1 visa application process. Your F-2 dependent will need to visit the US Department of State's website and complete the DS-160, being sure to apply for an F-2 visa. They will need to bring the following documents to the visa appointment: 

  • Passport
  • F-2 Form I-20
  • Copy of your F-1 Form I-20
  • Proof of financial support
  • Marriage license or birth certificate (translated into English)
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee
  • Nonimmigrant visa application confirmation page
  • Any other documents requested/required according to the DS-160, local embassy or consulate, or that may be related to your application
  • Any proof of temporary stay available

Note: The SEVIS Fee is only required of principal (F-1) visa applicants. F-2 visa applicants do not need to pay the SEVIS Fee.

Studying in the United States

F-2 dependent spouses are not allowed to study full-time in a degree program. F-2 spouses may take non-academic, avocational courses during their course of stay in the United States. They may also study part-time in a degree program. F-2 dependent children may attend elementary, middle, and secondary school.

Employment Regulations

Federal immigration regulations and labor laws prohibit F-2 dependents to take any form of paid employment. There are no exceptions to this regulation. F-2 dependents may do volunteer work as long as there is no compensation of any kind (ex: reduced rent, free parking pass, etc) and the volunteer position is a job usually done by volunteers. 

Travel Outside the United States

F-2 dependents seeking to re-enter the US must carry with them the same immigration documents as an F-1 primary degree holder traveling outside of the US. You can read more in Travel and Re-Entry to the US.

Health Insurance

Healthcare in the US is very expensive without insurance. All F-2 dependents should have appropriate US health insurance before arriving in the US.