Inviting Your Dependents to the U.S.

If you wish to invite your spouse or children (referred to as “dependents”) to stay with you in the US, they will need to apply for F-2 immigration status. F-2 status is only used for spouses or children, and cannot be used for other relatives (i.e- parents or grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles) or friends. Also be aware that child dependents may only maintain F-2 status until they reach the age of 21.

How can I invite my husband, wife, or children to come stay with me in the U.S.?
Here's a brief explanation of the process:

  1. You (the F-1) must apply to the IC to add your F-2 dependent to your SEVIS record. You will complete the Application to Request I-20 for Dependents. This application verifies your dependent information, and provides proof of funding to support your F-2 dependents (an additional $5,000 per year for spouse and/or additional $3,000 per child.)
  2. You will receive an updated F-1 student I-20 and new F-2 dependent I-20(s) from the IC.
  3. You will send the new original F-2 dependent I-20, along with necessary documents (listed below) to your dependent.
  4. Your dependent will need to take the I-20 and necessary documents and apply for an F-2 visa at an embassy or consulate abroad. He or she does NOT need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Visa requirements can vary by country, so you and your dependent will need to be sure to look up the appropriate information at your country’s embassy.
  5. After your dependent receives the F-2 visa, he or she can enter the US using the I-20, passport, and F-2 visa. Please bring in all dependent documents to the IC for copying after your dependents have entered the United States.

F-2 Visa Application Process & Necessary Documents
Your dependent(s) will need to bring the following documents to the US Embassy/Consulate in your home country. Please refer to instructions on the website of your home embassy or consulate ( http://travel.state.gov ) for a complete list of required documents. We suggest, however that your dependents have the following documents in hand.
  • Original signed F-2 dependent I-20 issued by your IC Advisor
  • A personal letter of invitation from you to the dependent is useful
  • Proof of marriage and/or child’s birth
  • A photocopy of your F-1 student I-20
  • Original copies of your (F-1) funding documents, including the additional funding shown for issuance of the F-2 dependent I-20
  • A letter from your department stating your student status and details of your assistantship, if applicable
  • Your FSU transcripts (available from the FSU Registrar’s office)
  • Certification of Enrollment (available from the FSU Registrar’s office)

SPECIAL NOTE FOR DEPENDENTS CURRENTLY IN THE U.S.:  If your dependent is currently in the US, he or she willneed to apply directly to USCIS for a change of immigration status. The F-2 dependent I-20 does not grant F-2 status without approval by USCIS. If you need information on this process, please make an appointment with your F-1Advisor at the IC. You may also refer to the Change of Status Form found on the IC website under Current Students > F-1 Status Students > Change of Status to F or J.

What is the difference between F-1 & F-2 status?
F-2 status has different and more restrictive rules than the F-1 status.

  • F-2 dependents are NOT authorized for ANY kind of employment.
  • F-2 dependents are only allowed “avocational or recreational” study. (This is interpreted to mean no full-time or degree seeking study.)
  • F-2 dependent children may attend school (Kindergarten-12th Grade)
  • F-2 status is dependent on the F-1’s status. If the F-1 is in proper immigration status, the F-2 is considered to be in-status as well. If the F-1 falls out of status, the F-2 does as well.
  • If the F-1 decides to stop studying and leave the US, or exits the US for more than 5 months, the F-2 dependent can longer maintain status.

What things does the F-2 status have in common with the F-1 status?
An F-2 status holder has similar documents- an F-2 dependent I-20, an F-2 visa, an I-94 with “D/S” notation.

  • An F-2 status holder must also have the I-20 signed for travel when exiting and re-entering the US.
  • The F-2 must also have a valid F-2 visa in order to re-enter the US.

What can F-2 spouses do if they can't work or study full-time?
F-2s do have more limited options, but here are some examples of activities that are allowed:

  • Participate in volunteer organizations
  • Study part-time as a non-degree student
  • Take classes which are “avocational or recreational” - for example cooking, art, English lessons, driving lessons
  • IC Events & Workshops
  • Travel

Inviting Your Dependents to the U.S. Forms
These forms are used to request an I-20 for the student's dependents (spouse and children).
NOTE: The document contains 2 sections. You are required to fill out BOTH sections.

For more information on Tallahassee and community resources, see the IC Family Resource Guide, available online or at the IC.


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