F-2 Dependents
F-2 dependents are defined as the spouse or unmarried children, under the age of 21, of an F-1 visa holder. Parents and other family members of the F-1 are not eligible for F-2 status. F-2 status is contingent upon the status of the primary F-1 visa holder. Below you will find immigration information for dependent family members but pre-arrival information for families and resources for family life in the U.S. may also be helpful, depending on where you are in the process.
Allowable activities for an F-2 dependent Heading link
- Study – F-2 dependents are eligible to study in postsecondary degree programs while in the U.S. so long as the number of credits taken per term is below the full-time study requirement for F-1 status. F-2 dependents may study full-time in avocational or recreational programs. If an F-2 dependent wished to study full-time in postsecondary academic or vocational program, they must obtain a change of status prior to enrolling full-time. F-2 minor dependents must follow local education requirements by attending kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Work – F-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the U.S.
- Volunteering – F-2 dependents may be eligible to volunteer provided the opportunity is unpaid and the job is normally done by a volunteer and not a paid employee. Learn more about volunteering in the U.S. for nonimmigrants.
- Travel – F-2 dependents may leave and re-enter the U.S. with the primary F-1 visa holder or independently so long as the primary F-1 status is valid. When entering the U.S., each F-2 dependent must present their own Form I-20 with a valid travel signature, F-2 visa (Canadian citizens excluded), and a passport valid for six months beyond the entry date.
Additional considerations for F-2 dependents Heading link
- F-2 dependents are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).
- F-2 status is contingent upon the primary F-1 visa holder maintaining their status. If the primary F-1 loses or ends their status, the F-2 is similarly affected. If the F-1 extends their status, the F-2 status is automatically extended as well.
- Dependent children are no longer eligible for F-2 status at the age of 21. If you have an F-2 dependent nearing their 21st birthday, please contact OIS for guidance on their options.
- F-2 dependents may remain in the U.S. with the primary F-1 visa holder during the 60 day grace period following the completion of an academic program or period of optional practical training. However, the F-2 dependent should depart the U.S. prior to or with the primary F-1.
Adding an F-2 dependent to your F-1 record Heading link
You may add a dependent to your F-1 record during the initial process of obtaining your UIC Form I-20 or after your arrival in the U.S. For more information about obtaining an initial I-20 for F-1 student status, visit getting started with the visa process.
- Confirm that your dependent meets F-2 eligibility requirements. Only your spouse and minor children under the age of 21 are eligible for F-2 status.
- Submit the Add Dependent E-Form in myOIS. The e-form will ask you to provide sufficient proof of funding for the F-2 dependent(s) along with copies of their passports. Note that the proof of funding cannot consist of income or savings in the name of the F-2 dependent. See international student funding and documentation requirements for more information on the amount of funding you will need to show and how to properly document your sources.
- Collect and sign your new I-20s. When the add dependent request is complete, OIS will contact you with options for receiving your new I-20s. You will receive a new I-20 for yourself and an I-20 for each of your dependents. Your dependent can now apply for an F-2 visa (Canadian citizens excluded) using their I-20 at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Immigration Check-In with OIS Heading link
Once your dependent has arrived in the U.S. you will need to submit the Dependent Check-In E-form in myOIS to confirm that they entered in the correct status.
Updating an F-2 dependent record Heading link
If your F-2 dependent receives updated immigration documents (e.g. passport, F-2 visa, I-94) while you are in active F-1 status, please submit the Immigration Document Update E-Form in myOIS.