/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

F-2 Dependent Spouse & Children

You may bring your spouse and unmarried children under age 21 to the United States in F-2 dependent status.

Your dependents may remain in the U.S. only while you maintain valid F-1 status. If your status ends, your dependents must also leave the United States.

After your program ends, you and your dependents have a 60-day grace period to prepare to depart the U.S. If you leave the United States, your dependents must leave as well.

Your dependent may remain in the U.S. during your temporary absence only if you continue to maintain F-1 status and plan to return using the same SEVIS record.

Family members who do not qualify for F-2 status must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

Add an F-2 Dependent

You may request a Form I-20 for your spouse and/or children either when your original I-20 is issued or later during your program. Each dependent must have their own Form I-20 to apply for F-2 status.

Initial F-1 Students

If you are applying for your initial Form I-20 and plan to bring dependents:

  • Include your dependents’ information in your SBU Issued Form I-20/DS-2019 Request
  • Provide proof of additional funding:
    • $9,000 per year for your spouse
    • $5,000 per year for each child


Continuing F-1 Students

Follow these steps to request a DS-2019 for your dependent:

You must provide:

  • Proof of full-time enrollment (or approved Reduced Course Load)
  • A copy of each dependent’s passport biographic page
  • Financial documents showing you can support yourself and your dependents

You must show additional funding of:

  • $9,000 per year for your spouse
  • $5,000 per year for each child

Review the estimated expenses for F-1 students for more information.

If you are on OPT and not enrolled, you only need to show funding for estimated living expenses for yourself and your dependents (not tuition).

Log in to accessVIS and complete:

  • Adding an F-2 Dependent eForm
  • Proof of Financial Eligibility eForm

Upload all required documents.

Once you submit all required materials, an International Student Advisor will review your request. If approved, you will receive an updated I-20 for yourself and an F-2 I-20 for each dependent.

Your dependent must use their Form I-20 to obtain F-2 status.

If your dependent is outside the United States, they must:

  • Apply for an F-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
  • Enter the U.S. using that visa

If your dependent is already in the United States, they can:

  • Travel abroad, apply for an F-2 visa, and reenter the U.S., or
  • Apply for a Change of Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

After your dependent arrives in the U.S., you must complete their check-in in accessVIS.

Submit copies of:

  • Form I-20
  • Passport
  • F-2 visa (if applicable)
  • I-94 record or approval notice

Submit these documents through Form 5: F-2 Dependent Check-In in accessVIS.

You must submit a separate eform for each dependent.

Travel as an F-2 Dependent

Your dependent does not need to travel with you, but they must carry the required documents each time they reenter the United States.

Required Documents for Reentry

Your dependent must have:

  • A valid passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
  • A valid F-2 visa (except for Canadian and Bermudian citizens)
  • A valid Form I-20 with a travel signature

Travel signature validity:

  • 12 months if you are enrolled
  • 6 months if you are on OPT or STEM OPT
Request a Travel Signature
 To request a travel signature for your dependent’s I-20, submit the Travel Signature Request eForm in accessVIS.

Additional Documents to Carry

Your dependent should also carry copies of your:

  • I-20
  • Passport
  • F-1 visa
  • I-94 record
  • Enrollment verification or class schedule
  • Financial documents

If you are on OPT, include:

  • OPT I-20
  • EAD card
  • Proof of employment or job offer

Study and Employment

Your dependent may study part-time at an SEVP-certified school.

At Stony Brook University:

  • Undergraduate limit: up to 11 credits
  • Graduate limit: up to 8 credits

Children must attend school according to local education laws (K–12).

For information about enrolling a child in a public school, contact your local school district.

F-2 dependents cannot work in the United States under any circumstances.

Report Changes to Your Dependent’s Status

You must report updates about your dependents to Visa and Immigration Services (VIS).

Report if your dependent:

  • Leaves the U.S. permanently
  • Changes to a different immigration status

To report a change, submit the Removal of F-2 Dependent request in accessVIS.