Dependents (F-2)
I-20
Only the spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of an F-1 student are eligible for F-2 status. An I-20 is issued for dependents who will initially accompany the F-1 student. All family members will have their own SEVIS ID number as noted above the bar code on the I-20.
F-1 students who have initially come alone but later want their dependents to join them will need to complete a Dependent I-20 Request and submit it to the F-1 Advisor.
Change of Status
Dependents in F-2 status are eligible to change status to another non-immigrant visa as long as they and the F-1 student are in status. The form required for the change of status is the I-539 which can be found on the USCIS Web site.
Employment
Individuals in F-2 status may not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances.
Study
The F-2 spouse of an F-1 student may not engage in full-time study.
F-2 children may only engage in full time study if it is in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade).
Part-time study is permitted only to the extent that it is avocational or recreational in nature.
Travel Abroad & Re-entry
If F-2 dependents wish to travel outside the US for a temporary visit, they must be sure that their I-20 documents are endorsed for travel by F-1 Student Advisor William Arnold or F-1 Student Advisor Emily King. Each endorsement is valid for one year.
Departure or Termination of Program
An F-2 dependent's status terminates in the US when that of the F-1 terminates. F-2 dependents report their departure from the US by surrendering Form I-94 at the time of departure.