General Information
- Dependents are the spouse or minor children (under age 21) of the principal F-1, J-1 or M-1 visa holder.
- Dependent status for the categories discussed here is indicated by the number 2: F-2, J-2, M-2
- Dependents' status depends on the principal visa holder maintaining their status.
- Dependents may come with the principal at the beginning of the program or they may come later.
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Bringing Dependents
At the Beginning of the Program
- Complete dependent information on the certification of finances form submitted to the Office of Admissions
- Provide proof of sufficient additional funds as indicated on the certification of finances forms
- If possible, provide copies of the information page of the passport for each applicant
- Dependent I-20 (F-2, M-2) or DS-2019 (J-2) forms will be issued at the same time as the student forms
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After the Student Has Started the Program
- Schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor
- Provide current financial documentation to show sufficient funding as indicated on the certification of finances form(s)
- Provide the International Student Advisor with copies of the passport information page for each dependent
- Request a status verification letter from the International Student Advisor
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Documents Needed For Dependent Visa Application:
Applicants should consult with the consulate where they will be applying for the dependent visa for a complete list of required documentation. The following list is a guideline only:
- Valid Passport
- Original Form I-20 (F-2, M-2) or DS-2019 (J-2)
- Completed Forms DS-156, DS-157, DS-158 (as applicable)
- Proof of sufficient funding to support student and dependents throughout stay
- Proof of relationship to student (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Payment of necessary fees (Note: Dependent applicants do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, but are responsible for visa application and reciprocity fees as applicable)
- Evidence of intent to depart the United States
- Proof of principal student's legal status in the United States if the student is already in the U.S.
- Other documents as indicated by the individual consulates. Visit http://usembassy.state.gov for the website of the consulate where you will apply.
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Guidelines for Status Maintenance
Dependents of F-1 students (F-2 Status)
- F-2 dependents are in status only as long as the F-1 student is in status.
- Employment
- F-2 dependents may not engage in study of any kind
- Study
- Minor children are allowed to attend public schools through Grade 12
- Spouses and children who have graduated from high school may only study part time for recreational or avocational purposes (e.g. an ESL class or a craft class). They may not pursue specific academic goals (degrees, certificates) in F-2 status. If a dependent is interested in pursuing a degree program, he or she should apply for a change of status to F-1. Contact an International Student Advisor for more information.
- Travel Abroad
- F-2 dependents may travel with the F-1 student or on their own. To re-enter the United States, F-2 travelers must present:
- Passport
- Valid I-20 form with a current signature on page 3
- Valid F-2 Visa
- Recommended Documents
- Copies of documents showing F-1's continuing legal status (I-20, I-94, visa, passport, transcript, etc.)
- Current financial support documents
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Dependents of J-1 Students (J-2 Status)
- J-2 dependents are in status only as long as the J-1 student is in status.
- Employment
- Study
- There is currently no restriction on study in J-2 status. J-2 dependents may enroll in classes or pursue degree programs.
- Travel Abroad
- J-2 dependents may travel with the J-1 or on their own. To re-enter the United States, J-2 travelers must present:
- Passport
- Valid DS-2019 form with a current travel endorsement
- Valid J-2 Visa
- Recommended Documents
- Copies of documents showing J-1's continuing legal status
- Current financial support documents
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Dependents of M-1 students (M-2 Status)
- M-2 dependents are in status only as long as the M-1 student is in status.
- Employment
- M-2 dependents may not engage in employment of any kind
- Study
- M-2 children may attend school through grade 12 only
- M-2 spouses and children beyond grade 12 may pursue only part time avocational or recreational study. Any full time study or pursuit of a particular academic objective requires a change in status. Contact an International Student Advisor for more information.
- Travel Abroad
- M-2dependents may travel with the M-1 student or on their own. To re-enter the United States, M-2 travelers must present:
- Passport
- Valid I-20 form with a current signature on page 3
- Valid M-2 Visa
- Recommended Documents
- Copies of documents showing M-1's continuing legal status (I-20, I-94, visa, passport, transcript, etc.)
- Current financial support documents
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