F-2 Dependents
An F-1 student in valid status may request that a spouse and/or children come to the U.S. as F-2 dependents.
Fast Facts
- F-2 dependents are limited to spouses and children; no extended family or servants.
- F-2 dependents may not lawfully work in the U.S. and are not eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN)
- An F-2’s status is dependent on the F-1. If the F-1 loses status or leaves the U.S. permanently, the F-2 status also ends.
- F-2 dependents may depart and re-enter the United States with proper documentation.
F-2 Spouses
- F-2 spouses may study incidental to status, less than full time in a degree seeking program.
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates will accept visa applications for same sex spouses just as they do for opposite sex spouses.
F-2 Children
- F-2 children are allowed to attend U.S. public schools (Kindergarten-12th grade) if under the age of 21.
- F-2 children lose their F-2 status once they marry or reach 21 years of age. If the F-2 child wants to remain in the U.S., they should apply for an independent status prior to the end of the F-2 status.
Requesting an F-2 I-20
You may request ISSO to add your F-2 dependent(s) to your F-1 SEVIS record. Submit to ISSODocuments@utdallas.edu:
- I-20 Update Form
- UT Dallas Financial Affidavit and proof of funds for yourself and all dependents for a full academic year. Note that there are additional dependent fees and insurance costs. Use the Estimated Expenses charts to determine how much funding you must show. Refer to the “Total” listed under the appropriate student + dependent categories in the charts for the required finances to add dependents.
- Copy of the pages in your dependent’s passport(s) that contain their picture, name, and date of expiry.
Provide your family members with the following, for their use at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate visa appointment:
- F-2 I-20s
- F-2 invitation letter (optional)
- Copies of the F-1 I-20
- Marriage or birth certificates. (Note: these are not required by the ISSO, but will be required by the visa officer)
- F-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
If approved for the visa, the F-2 dependents may join the F-1 student for part or all of the F-1’s stay (with exception of adult F-2 children mentioned above).
For more information regarding specific application documents, please contact an international student advisor.
Removing F-2 Dependents
You may request to have your F-2 dependent(s) removed from your F-2 record.
Submit to ISSODocuments@utdallas.edu:
- UT Dallas Financial Affidavit and proof of funds for yourself See the Cost of Attendance webpage to determine the amount of funds needed for the I-20.
