Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may be eligible to accompany you to the U.S. as your dependents.
Select your immigration status below to learn about requesting immigration documents, travel, employment and study options for your family members.
Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may be eligible for F-2 dependent status.
F-2 status depends on the F-1 student maintaining valid status
If the F-1 student’s status ends, the F-2 dependent’s status also ends
Requesting an F-2 Form I-20:
To request an F-2 Form I-20 for your spouse or child:
Obtaining F-2 status:
Your dependent may obtain F-2 status by either:
Entering the U.S. from abroad with:
Or apply for a Change of Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), if already in the U.S.
Applying for an F-2 Visa (outside the U.S.):
After receiving the F-2 I-20, your dependent(s) must apply for an F-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Follow the application instructions for the specific embassy or consulate where they will apply
Travel:
F-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature on their Form I-20 to re-enter the U.S. after international travel
When you (F-1) request a travel signature, OISS will also update the travel signature for your F-2 dependent(s)
Employment:
F-2 dependents may not work in the U.S. under any circumstances
Education:
Children: F-2 children may enroll full-time in elementary and secondary school.
College or University: F-2 dependents may study part time at a college or university. To pursue a full-time degree program, an F-2 dependent must first change to an eligible student status.
Your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 may be eligible for J-2 dependent status.
J-2 status depends on the J-1 student maintaining valid status.
If the J-1 student’s status ends, the J-2 dependent’s status also ends.
Requesting a J-2 Form DS-2019:
To request a J-2 Form DS-2019 for your spouse or child:
Obtaining J-2 status:
Your dependent may obtain J-2 status by either:
Entering the U.S. from abroad with:
Or apply for a Change of Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), if already in the U.S.
Applying for a J-2 Visa (outside the U.S.):
After receiving the J-2 DS-2019, your dependent(s) must apply for a J-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Follow the application instructions for the specific embassy or consulate where they will apply.
Travel:
J-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature on their Form DS-2019 to re-enter the U.S. after international travel.
When you (J-1) request a travel signature, OISS will also update the travel signature for your J-2 dependent(s).
Employment:
J-2 dependents may be eligible to work in the U.S.
Employment requires approval from USCIS before work may begin.
Dependent income may not be used to support the J-1.
Education:
Children: J-2 children may enroll full-time in elementary and secondary school.
College or University: J-2 dependents may study full-time or part-time at a college or university without changing to another immigration status.
Family members and friends who plan to visit you in the U.S. for a short stay will generally travel using B-1/B-2 visitor status or, if eligible, the Visa Waiver Program.
OISS does not issue invitation letters for visitors. However, you may choose to write a personal invitation letter to support your visitor's visa application.
For more information, including a sample invitation letter and additional guidance, review the instructions for Inviting Parents, Relatives, and Friends.