Who the F-2 is for
#- Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of F-1 students
- Dependents with documented family relationships
- Applicants applying from outside or inside the U.S.
Official guidance to review
#Use official pages for dependent eligibility, visa interviews, and fees.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- F-1 primary applicant in valid status
- Proof of marriage or parent-child relationship
- I-20 issued for dependents
- Financial evidence covering dependents
Documents and evidence
#Prepare relationship documents and proof of the primary visa holder’s status.
- Dependent I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt (if required)
- Marriage or birth certificates
- Primary F-1 status documents
- DS-160 confirmation and passport
Step-by-step overview
#- Request dependent I-20 from the school.
- Complete DS-160 and schedule a consular interview.
- Attend interview with relationship and funding evidence.
- Enter the U.S. and maintain dependent status.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Can F-2 dependents work in the U.S.?
No. F-2 spouses and children are not authorized to work.
Do F-2 dependents need their own I-20?
Yes. The school issues separate dependent I-20s for each F-2 applicant.
Can F-2 dependents study?
F-2 children can attend school full-time. F-2 spouses can study part-time but cannot pursue a full-time degree program.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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