Bringing Your Family
Information about adding an F2 Dependent to your F1 SEVIS record.
F-2 Dependents
If your spouse or child(ren) will be coming to the U.S. with you during your studies, they may qualify for an F-2 visa. They will need their own Form I-20 and F-2 dependent visa in their passport.
To apply for a dependent F-2 Form I-20 submit the following documents to the Office of Global Initiatives (OGI) using the Online Request Form:
- Application for the Form I-20 document
- A translated copy of your marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (child)
- A copy of your dependent(s) passport biographical page
- Financial Statement 2024-2025 form
- Financial documents (bank statement or bank letter) to show enough funding to cover your dependent(s). (Spouse $6,000, each child $4,000)
Processing time with the OGI is 7 business days. Once the F-2 Form I-20 is ready, you will be notified via email.
Next steps:
- If your dependent is outside of the U.S., check the U.S. consulate or embassy website for F-2 visa application requirements.
- If your dependent is in the U.S. under a different immigration status, and does not intend to travel outside of the U.S. to obtain an F-2 Visa and reenter the U.S., they will need to apply for a change of status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- For information and application requirements for change of nonimmigrant status applications, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Important information for F-2 dependents:
- F-2 dependents may not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances.
- An F-2 spouse and child may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature, part time or full time.
- F-2 dependents may study at an undergraduate college or university or at a community college or junior college less than full time only.
- An F-2 child may enroll full time in any elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade).