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Dependents

F-1 students are eligible to add dependents to their SEVIS record. Dependents will receive I-20s and apply for separate F-2 visas. Dependents include a spouse and children under the age of 21.

F-1 students must present proof of funding for each dependent. Please refer to the Cost of Attendance Calculator or the Affidavit of Financial Support for detailed information regarding dependent fees and accepted proof of funding. F-1 students who receive company and/or government sponsorship must present sponsorship letters specifying coverage of dependent(s) fees.

F-2 Dependents Study and Employment
Dependents are permitted to study part-time, unless enrolled in primary and secondary schools (grades K-12). F-2 dependents enrolled in elementary and secondary school (K-12) may attend school full-time. F-2 dependents who finished secondary school are eligible to enroll in higher education institutions as a part-time student. F-2 dependents who want to enroll in a higher education institution as a full-time student must apply for a change of (visa) status.

F-2 status for children automatically terminates at the age of 21. F-2 children who are about to age out must either apply for a change of status or depart the United States.

F-2 dependents are not allowed to work in the United States.

 

Adding a Dependent
To add a dependent to your SEVIS record, contact the SLDL office with your request, along with a copy of your dependent’s valid passport and proof of funding or/sponsorship to cover their expenses. Once approved, you will be issued an updated I-20 including the I-20s for each dependent.

There is no additional SEVIS I-901 fee to add a dependent.

 

Dependent Change of Visa Status
Due to the regulations limiting educational study, dependents who wish to enroll full-time at an educational institution must change their F-2 status to F-1 (or another visa status allowing full-time enrollment). The process to change a visa status is called a Change of Status (COS). When an F-2 dependent completes the COS to F-1 status, they become the primary holder of a new SEVIS record, and their immigration record is independent from the original F-1 record holder.

In order to begin the COS process, the F-2 dependent must select one of the following options:

  1. Apply for a COS during their stay in the United States. F-2 dependents submit their application, including a new I-20 from their respective school to the (USCIS). This process is lengthy, taking an average 6-9 months for a decision. During the review process, the primary F-1 holder must remain in active status, and F-2 dependents must follow the regulations in place. The applicant should not exit the US while the COS application is pending.
  2. Apply for an F-1 visa at US Embassy/Consulate. F-2 dependents can obtain a new I-20 from their admitted school and apply for an F-1 visa at their U.S. Embassy or Consulate office in their home countries. This process is costly due to travel fees; however, it may not take as much time as the COS application.

For more information on the change of status application process, visit the USCIS website.