As a principle F-1 or J-1 student, you may apply for a F-2 or J-2 dependent visa for a spouse or children. They will be added to your I-20/DS-2019 and will receive Forms I-20/DS-2019 of their own. The dependent forms will be used for the F-2 or J-2 visa, traveling to the U.S. and to maintain their status while in the U.S.
To add your dependent, you must:
- Be in good immigration standing
- Submit the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Update form
- Attach updated financial information
- Financial statements must include sufficient support of you plus $4,500 for spouse and or $2,500 per child
- Attach passport copies for each dependent
Points to consider when sponsoring a dependent:
- The F2 dependent status is directly connected to the F1 principle’s status.
- If the F1 principal travels outside of the US for a short duration, F2 dependents are allowed to remain in the United States without the principal as long as the principal is in valid status and will come back after a temporary absence using the same SEVIS ID number.
- F2 dependents will lose their immigration status at the same time as the F1 principal if the F1’s program ends and they depart from the United States or if they violate their status, resulting in the termination of their status.
- F-2 dependents can engage in study at UA Little Rock as long as they are enrolled in less than a full course of study.
- F-2 dependents are not eligible to enroll in the LewerMark health insurance plan. Health insurance for F-2 dependents is recommended, but not mandatory.
- F-2 dependents may not work and are not eligible for Social Security numbers.
- Health insurance for J-2 dependents is mandated by the Department of State.
Learn more: International Travel.