International Dependents
International students and scholars may wish to bring eligible dependents to the United States to live with you throughout your program of study, teaching, or research program.
As with other international student and scholar benefits, you must first notify International Services that you would like to bring dependents to the United States, meet all eligibility requirements, and submit necessary information to support the issuances of the dependent I-20 or DS-2019, necessary to either apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, or, if in the U.S. in another status, submit an application for a change of status to the USCIS.
Eligibility for Dependent Status (F-2/J-2)
To qualify for dependent status, to accompany the primary student or exchange visitor to the United States or follow to join at a later date, the applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer and the immigration officer at the port of entry that:
- The dependent is the legal spouse (as evidenced by a valid marriage certificate recognized in the place of celebration) of the F-1 or J-1 principal;
- The dependent is the unmarried child under the age of 21 (as evidenced by a valid birth certificate) of the F-1 or J-1 principal;
- The dependent has sufficient funds to cover all expenses, or that other arrangements have been made to provide for such expenses once in the United States;
- The dependent will be accompanying or following to join the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor who is maintaining valid status;
- The dependent intends to leave the United States upon the termination of the status or program completion of the principal F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor.
Other family members, such as parents, brothers, sisters, domestic partners, or close family members who do not satisfy the definition of a dependent for the F-2 or J-2 visa classification, may wish to explore eligibility for B-2 status to visit the United States as tourists. In addition, dependents who will be visiting the US briefly are not required to seek F-2 or J-2 status.
How to Obtain the Dependent I-20 or DS-2019
Submit your dependent requirements when requesting your initial I-20 or DS-2019 using the International Services Portal in the “Personal and Program” tab of your profile.
Submit the Dependent I-20/DS-2019 Request, using the International Services Portal .
- Dependent Passport
- Dependent Spouse Marriage Certificate
- Dependent Child Birth Certificate
- Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor.
- Financial Documentation in the amount of $10,000 for spouse and $5,000 for each dependent child.
Additional Considerations
To bring your family to the United States, there are a number of steps that you must complete in advance, and some strategic planning is needed. In particular, issues such as housing, transportation, health care, schooling for children, and cultural adjustment must all be discussed and addressed before your family departs your home country.
- F-2 dependents may not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances.
- J-2 dependents can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS in order to be employed in the United States. The J-2 may begin employment only after receiving the EAD from USCIS.
- F-2 dependents are ineligible for a Social Security Number,
- F-2 dependents may obtain a Social Security number only if in possession of an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD), authorized from USCIS.
- An F-2 spouse may enroll in “less than a full course of study”, even if the course of study done part time leads to or counts toward a degree. Study that is “avocational or recreational in nature” is permitted “up to and including on a full-time basis”. F-2 children may engage in full-time study at the K-12 level.
- J-2 dependents may engage in part or full time study.
- An F-2 dependent who wishes to travel outside the United States for a temporary visit and to reenter the country follows the same procedures as a F-1 principal participant. Proper documentation to reenter the US includes: a valid passport and F-2 visa (unless exempt from passport and visa requirements), and a valid I-20, properly endorsed for travel by the DSO.
- A J-2 dependent who wishes to travel outside the United States for a temporary visit and to reenter the country follows the same procedures as a J-1 principal participant. Proper documentation to reenter the US includes: a valid passport and J-2 visa; and a currently valid DS-2019, properly endorsed for travel by the RO/ARO
At the end of a program or upon termination of the program, the F-2 or J-2 dependent status in the United States ends.
