F-2 Dependents

• Overview

  Only the spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of an F-1 visa holder may apply for F-2 dependent status. Their eligibility to stay legally in the U.S. is dependent upon the F-1 maintaining their legal status.

  All other family members must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor's visa to gain entry to the U.S.

  Once the F-1 student has completed their studies and has left the U.S., the F-2 dependents must also leave.

  At the end of the F-1 program, there is a 60 day grace period during which the F-1/F-2 may stay in the U.S. Once the F-1 leaves the U.S., the F-2 dependent(s) must leave as well.

  Report any changes to VIS
  If your dependent departs the U.S. permanently or changes their immigration status, you must report their departure/change of status to VIS. To do so, submit the Removal of F-2 Dependent request form in accessVIS

  Don't forget to report your dependent's arrival
  Once your dependent receives an F-2 visa and enters the U.S. as an F-2 or receives the change of status approval notice by mail, you must submit copies of their immigration documents (I-20, passport, F-2 visa and I-94 or change of status approval notice) to VIS by submitting the Immigration Intake for F-2 Dependents in accessVIS.

• Adding an F-2 Dependent

  
  Adding an F-2 Dependent as a Continuing Student

  The spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the F-1 student may be admitted into the U.S. in F-2 classification if each dependent presents a SEVIS Form I-20 issued in their own name and an F-2 visa.

  An F-2 dependent can either be added upon the issuance of the F-1 student's original I-20, or may be added at a later date.

  Below are the instructions for adding an F-2 dependent during your program.

  Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

  To request an I-20 for your dependent(s), you will need:

  • Proof of full-time course registration. You must be registered full-time or have an approved Reduced Course Load from VIS to be eligible to add a dependent.
  • A copy of the biographic page of each dependent’s passport.
  • Financial documents. These documents must show that you can financially support yourself and your dependents in the U.S.

  - Verification of an additional $9,000 per year for your spouse and an additional $5,000 per year for each child is required. Please review our estimated expenses for F-1 students page.

  - If you are in F-1 status after graduation and are no longer enrolled in courses, you only need to show funds to cover the estimated living expenses (not tuition) for yourself and any dependents.  

  Step 2: Submit the "Adding F-2 Dependents" eForm

  Within the eForm titled 'Adding an F-2 Dependent' you will be required to upload your dependent's biographic page of their passport and answer questions related to your dependent's immigration status. The eForm titled "Proof of Financial Eligiblity" asks you to upload your financial documents.

  Step 3: Allow 5-7 Business Days for Processing

  Once you have submitted all of the required forms, an International Student Advisor will review your request. After review, you will be issued an I-20 indicating that you have dependents as well as an F-2 I-20 for your dependent(s).

  Step 4: Your Dependent Must Acquire an F-2 Visa

  Once your F-2 dependent has received their I-20 from Stony Brook University, they will need to apply for an F-2 visa at their local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

  Step 5: Report the Arrival of Your F-2 Dependent

  Once your dependent receives an F-2 visa and enters the U.S. as an F-2, you must provide copies of their immigration documents to VIS by submitting the 'Immigration Intake for F-2 Dependents' eForm in accessVIS.

• Change of Status to F-2

  
  Change of Status to F-2

  If your spouse or child is already inside the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status, there are two ways to change their status to F-2:

  Travel home or outside the U.S., apply for an F-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy, and reenter the U.S. in the new status (see previous instructions).

  OR

  Submit a Change of Status application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Traveling as an F-2 Dependent

  
  Traveling as an F-2 Dependent

  F-2 dependents are not required to travel with the primary F-1. However, the F-2 dependent must carry the following documents required for reentry to the US:

  1. Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of reentry to the U.S.).
  2. Valid F-2 visa (except for dependents from Canada).
  3. Form I-20 with a valid travel signature
  • Valid for one year if F-1 is a currently enrolled student.
  • Valid for six months if F-1 is currently on approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension.
  4. Copies of these F-1 primary documents:
     • I-20, passport, F-1 visa, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
     • If F-1 is on approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension, these copies should also include the OPT I-20, EAD card, and proof of current employment or offer letter.

  F-2 dependents are able to remain in the U.S. without the F-1 as long as the F-1 maintains status and will return to the U.S. after a temporary absence using the same SEVIS ID number.

  F-2 dependents who need a travel signature on their I-20 should have their F-1 submit the 'Travel Signature Request for F-2 Dependents' eForm in accessVIS.

• Work and Study

  
  Study

  F-2 dependents of F-1 students in the United States may study part-time at the postsecondary level in a certified program at any SEVP-certified school.

  At SBU, F-2 dependents at the undergraduate level are limited to a maximum of 11 credits, and those at the graduate level are limited to a maximum of 8 credits.

  F-2 minor children must comply with compulsory education requirements (Kindergarten through 12th grade). For information about enrolling your child in a public elementary or secondary school, contact your local school district.

  Employment

  The F-2 spouse and children of an F-1 student may not accept employment, full-time or part-time, while in the U.S.