F-2 DEPENDENTS
Eligibility
The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the F-1 Student Exchange Visitor are eligible for F-2 dependent status.
How can my dependent acquire F-2 status?
Each F-2 dependent must have his/her own I-20. The I-20 can be obtained from the International Student Office (ISO) by the F-1 status holder. The F-2 dependent I-20 should be signed by the F-1 student. Once dependents have their I-20, they must either:
- Apply for an F-2 U.S. Entry Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate overseas (except Canadian citizens) and gain F-2 status through entry to the US by presenting their:
- dependent I-20
- passport and
- and F-2 U.S. Entry Visa (accompanied by any supporting documents) at the U.S. Port of Entry; OR
- Apply for a Change of Status within the U.S.
Initial F-1 Students
Initial & Continuing F-1 Students
- If you are applying for your own initial I-20 and will be accompanied by dependent(s), you need to be sure to include dependent information (and funding should be adequate) in the appropriate section of the I-20 application.
Continuing F-1 Transfer Students
- If you are a student holding a valid F-1 SEVIS record at another institution with a dependent or dependents who already hold an F-2 SEVIS record then their record will automatically transfer with the F-1 visa holders record when the transfer to Harrisburg University is initiated. The dependent I-20’s will be provided with the F-1 students I-20 at orientation.
If your dependent(s) does not have an existing F-2 record then you will need to request a dependent I-20 by following the instructions below.
How to apply for an I-20 for your dependent(s)?
- Visit the Student Support Network and choose “International Student Inquiry” under report type.
- Select ‘I would like to add or remove dependents’ in the request menu.
- Complete the form in its entirety. Don’t forget to attach your documents!
Please Note:
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- Parents or other relatives are NOT eligible to be F-2 dependents.
- Dependent children must be unmarried and under 21 years of age.
Required Documentation
- Copy of both passport ID pages for each dependent
- Copy of your marriage certificate if you have a spouse dependent
- Copy of the birth certificate for any child dependents
- A financial affidavit stating that you or another person will be financially supporting your dependents through the duration of their stay in the U.S..
- A coordinating bank statement should be provided showing that you or another person have the necessary funds to support your dependent(s). A spouse dependent requires students to show an additional $5,000 in support and for each child dependent an additional $2,500 must be shown.
Employment
F-2 Dependents are NOT eligible to work.
Travel and Reentry to US
F-2 dependents follow similar travel and reentry procedures as the F-1 status holder, but should carry copies of the F-1’s most recent immigration documents if traveling separately.
Extension of Stay
- The duration of the F-1 status holder’s program is stated in item 3 of the I-20. If the F-1 is eligible and applies for an extension of stay, the dependent’s period of stay will automatically be extended.
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- How to apply for a program extension:
- Visit the Student Support Network and choose “International Student Inquiry” under report type.
- Select ‘I would like to request a program/I-20 extension’ in the request menu.
- How to apply for a program extension: