Dependents

J-2 Visa

• Dependents are the spouse or minor children (under age 21) of the principal J-1 visa holder.
• Dependents of J-1 visa holders are granted J-2 status.
• Dependents' status depends on the principal visa holder maintaining their status.
• Dependents may come with the principal at the beginning of the program or they may come later.

Bringing Dependents at the Beginning of the Program

• Complete dependent information on the certification of finances form submitted to the Office of Admissions.
• Provide proof of sufficient additional funds as indicated on the certification of finances forms.
• If possible, provide copies of the information page of the passport for each applicant.
• Dependent DS-2019 (J-2) forms will be issued at the same time as the student forms.

Bringing Dependents After the Student Has Started the Program

• Schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.
• Provide International Student Advisor with:
  • Copies of the passport information page for each dependent.
  • Current financial documentation to show sufficient funding for your program and to support dependents.
• An International Student Advisor will issue new DS-2019 forms and a status verification letter regarding your current status.

Documents for Visa Appointment

Applicants should consult with the consulate where they will be applying for the dependent visa for a complete list of required documentation. The following list is a guideline only:

• Valid passport
• Original Form DS-2019 (J-2)
• Completed Form DS-160
• Proof of sufficient funding to support student and dependents throughout stay
• Proof of relationship to student (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Payment of necessary fees (Note: Dependent applicants do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, but are responsible for visa application and reciprocity fees as applicable)
• Evidence of intent to depart the United States
• Proof of principal student's legal status in the United States if the student is already in the U.S.
• Other documents as indicated by the individual consulates. Visit http://www.usembassy.gov for the website of the consulate where you will apply.

Status Maintenance

J-2 dependents are in status only as long as the J-1 student is in status.

Employment

J-2 dependents may apply for employment authorization through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Contact an International Student Advisor for more information.

Study

J-2 dependents may enroll in classes or pursue degree programs.

Travel

J-2 dependents may travel with the J-1 or on their own. To re-enter the United States, J-2 travelers must be prepared to present:

• Passport
• Valid DS-2019 form with a current travel endorsement
• Valid J-2 Visa
• Copies of documents showing J-1's continuing legal status
• Current financial support documents

M-2 Visa

• Dependents are the spouse or minor children (under age 21) of the principal M-1 visa holder.
• Dependent status for the categories discussed here is indicated by the number 2: M-2
• Dependents' status depends on the principal visa holder maintaining their status.
• Dependents may come with the principal at the beginning of the program or they may come later.

Bringing Dependents at the Beginning of the Program

• Complete dependent information on the certification of finances form submitted to the Office of Admissions.
• Provide proof of sufficient additional funds as indicated on the certification of finances forms.
• If possible, provide copies of the information page of the passport for each applicant.
• Dependent I-20 (M-2) forms will be issued at the same time as the student forms.

Bringing Dependents after the Student Has Started the Program

• Schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor.
• Provide current financial documentation to show sufficient funding as indicated on the certification of finances form(s).
• Provide the International Student Advisor with copies of the passport information page for each dependent.
• Request a status verification letter from the International Student Advisor.

Documents for Visa Appointment

Applicants should consult with the consulate where they will be applying for the dependent visa for a complete list of required documentation. The following list is a guideline only:

• Valid passport
• Original Form I-20 (M-2)
• Completed Form DS-160
• Proof of sufficient funding to support student and dependents throughout stay
• Proof of relationship to student (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Payment of necessary fees (Note: Dependent applicants do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, but are responsible for visa application and reciprocity fees as applicable)
• Evidence of intent to depart the United States
• Proof of principal student's legal status in the United States if the student is already in the U.S.
• Other documents as indicated by the individual consulates. Visit https://www.usembassy.gov for the website of the consulate where you will apply.

Status Maintenance

F-2 dependents are in status only as long as the F-1 student is in status.

Employment

F-2 dependents may not engage in employment of any kind

Study

• Minor children are allowed to attend public schools through grade 12.
• Spouses and children who have graduated from high school may only study part time for recreational or avocational purposes (e.g. an ESL class or a craft class). They may not pursue specific academic goals (degrees, certificates) in F-2 status. If a dependent is interested in pursuing a degree program, he or she should apply for a change of status to F-1. Contact an International Student Advisor for more information.

Travel Abroad

• M-2 dependents may travel with the M-1 student or on their own. To re-enter the United States, M-2 travelers must present:

  • Passport

  • Valid I-20 form with a current signature on page 3

  • Valid M-2 Visa

• Recommended Documents:
  • Copies of documents showing M-1's continuing legal status (I-20, I-94, visa, passport, transcript, etc.)
  • Current financial support documents