Overview
F-2 status allows the legal spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an F-1 student to accompany the student to the United States or join them later. Individuals under the F-2 status are known as dependents.
Each dependent must have their own Form I-20 and obtain F-2 status. Children born in the United States do not need F-2 status. Domestic partners are not eligible for F-2 status but may be eligible to apply for a B-2 visitor visa.
To qualify for F-2 status, a dependent must be prepared to show that:
- They are the legal spouse or unmarried child under age 21 of the F-1 student. A marriage certificate or birth certificate may be required as evidence. ISS can issue a dependent I-20 for a spouse only after the marriage is legally recognized.
- The family has sufficient funding to cover expenses in the United States.
- They intend to leave the United States when the F-1 student’s status ends.
Requesting an F-2 I-20
Before submitting your request, gather:
- A scan or clear photo of the passport biographical page for each dependent.
- Proof of funding showing that you have enough funds to cover at least three quarters of tuition and living expenses for you and your dependent(s).
Graduate student funding, including research and teaching assistantships, may not cover the full amount required for dependent expenses.
If you are adding a dependent while on post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, you do not need to show funding for tuition expenses.
Submit the Add Dependent request through your MyISSS portal.
Allow two to three weeks for ISS to process your request.
ISS will email you after processing your request. You will receive updated Forms I-20 for yourself and your dependent(s) together in one document.
Your updated F-1 I-20 will list your dependent(s) and the additional estimated living expenses. Each dependent will also receive an individual F-2 I-20.
An F-2 I-20 does not grant F-2 status by itself. Your dependent must use the I-20 to obtain F-2 status in one of the following ways:
- If the dependent is in the United States, they may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change to F-2 status.
- If the dependent is outside the United States, they may apply for an F-2 visa, if required, and use the F-2 I-20 to request admission in F-2 status.
Other Considerations
Employment
F-2 dependents are not authorized to work or engage in business in the United States. This restriction applies to part-time and full-time work, self-employment, and services provided in exchange for money or any other form of compensation.
Education
The study options available to an F-2 dependent depend on the dependent’s age and the type of program.
An spouse may:
- Enroll part time in an academic or vocational program at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Participate in an avocational or recreational program, such as a hobby-based course.
An child may:
- Attend elementary or secondary school, from kindergarten through grade 12, full time.
- Enroll part time in an academic or vocational program at an SEVP-certified school.
- Participate in an avocational or recreational program.
An F-2 dependent who wants to enroll full time in an academic or vocational program other than kindergarten through grade 12 must first obtain F-1 status.
Maintaining F-2 Status
F-2 status depends on the F-1 student maintaining valid status. If the F-1 student loses or ends their status, the dependent’s F-2 status may also end.
Immigration regulations do not specify exactly how long an F-1 student may remain outside the United States while an F-2 dependent remains in the country. However, periods of separation should be brief.
A child is no longer eligible for F-2 status when they turn 21 or marry, whichever occurs first. Families should plan for the child to obtain another immigration status or leave the United States before that happens.
Related Topics
Annual Expenses
Review the estimated annual expenses required for the issuance of your I-20/DS-2019.