F-2/J-2 Dependents

The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21) of an F-1 and J-1 Visa holders are eligible for F-2 or J-2 dependent status. These dependents can either accompany the primary visa holder to the United States or follow to join them at a later date. Dependents must present their own Form I-20 (for F-2) or DS-2019 (for J-2) issued in their name.

F-2 Dependents

F-2 Eligibility

Valid F-1 Status: The F-2 dependent's status is entirely contingent upon the F-1 student maintaining their valid non-immigrant status. If the F-1 student loses their status, the F-2 dependent also loses theirs.
Proof of Relationship: Must provide official documents proving the relationship, such as a marriage certificate (for a spouse) or a birth certificate (for a child).
Sufficient Financial Support: The F-1 student must provide documentary evidence showing they have sufficient funds to cover the living expenses for the F-2 dependent(s) in addition to their own expenses.
Identification: Valid Passport

Restrictions and Limitations

Employment is Prohibited: F-2 dependents are not authorized to work or engage in business under any circumstances.
Study is Limited:
- An F-2 spouse may only enroll in a course of study that will count towards a degree on a part-time basis (less than what is defined as a full course of study for an F-1 student at the same educational level). They must change to F-1 status if they wish to study full-time.
- Study that is “avocational or recreational in nature” is permitted “up to and including on a full-time basis.”
- F-2 children may attend elementary and secondary school (K-12) full-time. If you have questions about your dependents’ ability to study, please contact the ISO.
Age Limit: A child's F-2 status automatically terminates when they turn 21 or get married (whichever comes first). They must change to another status (like F-1) if they wish to remain in the U.S.

How to Add an F-2

You can add a dependent at any point during your time in F-1 status. To add a dependent, visit ISOGateway and select F-1 student services, and then select Dependent E-form. Fill out the E-form, and include the required documents and ISO will review your request.

When your request is approved by the ISO, you will receive an email with your dependent’s I-20. You, as the F-1 primary visa holder, must sign your dependent’s I-20 under “student attestation” on page one.

J-2 Dependents

J-2 Eligibility

Valid J-1 Status: The J-2's status is entirely dependent on the J-1 primary holder maintaining their own lawful status. If the J-1 loses their status, the J-2 automatically loses theirs.
Proof of Relationship: Must provide official documents proving the relationship, such as a marriage certificate (for a spouse) or a birth certificate (for a child).
Sufficient Financial Support: The J-1 must demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to cover the living expenses for their J-2 dependent(s) throughout the duration of the program, in addition to their own.
Mandatory Health Insurance: All J-2 dependents are required to be covered by health and accident insurance that meets the minimum coverage amounts set by the U.S. Department of State for the entire period of their stay.
Identification: Valid Passport

Benefits and Limitations

Work Authorization: J-2 dependents may apply to USCIS for work authorization (an EAD), provided the income is not needed to support the J-1 primary visa holder.
212(e) Rule: If the J-1 is subject to the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement (also known as the 212(e) rule), the J-2 dependent is also subject to this requirement.
Study: There is no regulatory restriction on study for J-2 dependents - J-2 dependents may enroll in part-time or full-time study at any educational level.

How to Add a J2

You can add a dependent at any point during your time in J-1 status. To add a dependent, visit ISOGateway and select J-1 student services, and then select Dependent E-form. Fill out the E-form, and include the required documents, and ISO will review your request.

When your request is approved by the ISO, you will receive an email with your dependent’s DS-2019. You, as the J-1 primary visa holder, must sign your dependent’s DS-2019 under Exchange Visitor Certification on page 1.