The spouse and unmarried minor of an F-1/J-1 student may accompany the student to the United States or follow to join the student at a later date. The dependent family member will be admitted in F-2/J-2 status provided they establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer and the immigration officer at the port of entry that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses; that they intend to leave the United States upon the termination of the status of the principal alien (F-1/J-1); and if the dependents are following to join the student, that “the F-1/J-1 student is, or will be within 60 days, enrolled in a full course of study or if the student is engaged in approved practical training following completion of studies”. Proof of their relationship to the F-1/J-1 principal (e.g. marriage license / certificate, birth certificate) may be requested at the time of visa interview.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: The F-1/J-1 student must submit the following official documents to the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for a dependent(s) SEVIS Form I-20/DS-2019 to be issued:
- Dependent Visa Form
- F-1/J-1 Student’s current SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 (pages 1 & 3)
- Copy of Marriage Certificate
- Copy of Birth Certificate(s) for each child
- Copy of each dependent’s Passport biographical page
- Financial statement that ensures support for the F-2/J-2 dependent(s): This document must be an original and currently dated financial statement showing US dollars and support in addition to the required funds for the student. If the F-1/J-1 student is employed on campus, an original and currently dated letter from the on-campus employer stating the length of employment and the employment amount.