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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:

  1. 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
  2. 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:

    • 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

  1. Copy of both passport ID pages for each dependent
  2. Copy of your marriage certificate if you have a spouse dependent
  3. Copy of the birth certificate for any child dependents
  4. 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..
  5. 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.
    • 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.