Inviting an F-2 dependent

If you want to bring your spouse/children to the United States, students need to obtain a new form I-20 for them to apply for an F-2 visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home country.

Before the ISSS Office can issue this document you will have to provide financial support documents for each family member.

Required amounts:

Spouse: $6,500.00
Each Child: $3,000.00

When supplying financial documentation if you are supporting your family members:

All family members must be covered by medical insurance while they are here in the United States.

Full-time study for dependents

Dependents of F-1 students (those holding F-2 status) are not able to study full/part time at the university level. If your spouse is planning on studying full time they will need to be a matriculated student and apply for their own F-1 student visa.

F-2s can only take classes that are recreational or vocational. Questions regarding this can be referred to the ISSS staff.

F-2s who were, prior to January 1, 2003, pursuing full time study, must apply for a change of status to F-1 by March 11, 2003.

Dependents of J visitors (those holding J-2 status) are currently allowed to be full-time students. This may change in the very near future, so look for further updates on this issue.

Immigration documents for dependents

All F-2 have to have their own I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa stamp and then to enter the country.

Last modified: Apr 15, 2008
International Services for Students and Scholars, Phone: (518) 276-6561, Fax: (518) 276-4839