F-2 Dependent(s)
Adding Dependents to an F-1 record
Current EMU students who have an active F-1 record can add their dependents to their F-1 record anytime after they have completed our orientation and SEVIS Check-in. Incoming students who want to add dependents should contact the Office of International Admissions so they can add your dependent(s) during the admissions process.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the F-2 I-20 you must:
- Be the spouse or child (under 21 years old) of the primary visa holder
- F-1 record must be valid and active
- Evidence of financial support of all dependents - show $6,325 in liquid funds per dependent
Documents Required to Obtain the Dependent I-20(s)
- Fill out and submit the Add F-2 Dependent(s) Form
- Dependent(s) Passport picture page
- Marriage Certificate for spouses, or birth certificates for children
- F-2 Dependent Affidavit of Financial Support
- $6,325 in liquid funds per dependent (follow form instructions for acceptable documents)
After receiving a F-2 Form I-20, the dependent may schedule a visa appointment to obtain their F-2 visa or may file a change of status to F-2 application with USCIS if they are already in the U.S. under another valid non-immigrant status. Please note, for legal reasons, OISS will not assist with the reviewing or filing of a I-539 Change of Status application.
Important Information about F-2 Status
F-2 dependents are not eligible for employment of any kind while in the U.S. in F-2 status.
F-2 minors must follow compulsory education laws in Michigan. They may attend kindergarten through 12th grade full-time at a non-SEVP-certified school.
Part-time study is allowed for dependents at post-secondary institutions that are SEVP-certified only. Taking a full-time course load of classes is not allowed in F-2 status. Online course limits do not apply to F-2 dependents.
Dependent children are only eligible for F-2 status up to the age of 21. Children who turn 21 years old while in F-2 status will need to leave the U.S. or change to another status before their 21st birthday.
F-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature on their I-20 for re-entry to the U.S.
F-2 visa status is tied directly to the primary F-1 visa holder, if the F-1 status is terminated or completed the F-2 status will also end.
Once the F-1 student completes their program and leaves the U.S., the F-2 dependents must leave, as well. There is a 60-day grace period following the program end date on the I-20.
F-2 dependents are not eligible for EMU’s student insurance plan, you will need to find alternative health insurance options for any dependents a student chooses to bring with them.