F-2 Spouse and Children
Spouses and children under the age of 21 may accompany the F-1 visa holder as dependents in F-2 status.
Which Document is Required for My Spouse and Children/Dependents?
Each family member (also known as “dependent”), i.e., spouse and children under 21, must have their own I-20 to enter the U.S. in F-2 status.
How Do I Request an I-20 for My Spouse and Children//Dependents?
- Current students should request an I-20 for spouse and children through iStart:
iStart > Dependents: Spouse or Child > Add Spouse or Child Future Penn State students should select the option to request a dependent’s I-20 when completing the I-20 request process.
Is U.S. Health Insurance Required for My Spouse and Children/Dependents?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all of your F-2 spouse and children.
Can My Spouse and Children/Dependents Work While in the U.S.?
F-2 dependents are not permitted to work while in the U.S. They may want to consider exploring volunteer opportunities.
Can My Spouse and Children/Dependents Study While in the U.S.?
- F-2 spouses: Your spouse may study part-time while in F-2 status. If your spouse would like to study full-time, they will need to apply for a change of status to F-1.
- F-2 children:
- Your children may study full-time from kindergarten through high school (K–12) while maintaining F-2 status.
- After completing high school, an F-2 child who is under 21 may continue to study part-time. If they would like to pursue full-time study beyond high school, they will need to apply for a change of status to F-1.
What Do My Spouse and Children/Dependents Need to Travel Outside the U.S.?
- When you request a travel signature, the approval also provides a travel signature for your F-2 family members/dependents. Your ISSA Adviser will endorse the I-20 with travel signatures for all individuals listed on the I-20.
- Request a travel signature through iStart:
iStart > Other Requests > Travel Signature - While traveling, dependents should carry the following:
- I-20 with travel signature,
- Valid passport, and
- Valid F-2 or J-2 visa.
- Recommended: financial information and proof of your enrollment
When Will My Spouse and Children/Dependent’s F-2 Status End?
Your spouse and children’s immigration status is directly related to yours, the primary visa holder.
Your dependent’s status ends when:
- Your F-1 immigration status ends
- Your spouse and children/dependent(s) decide(s) to leave the U.S. permanently or for an extended period
- Spouses become separated/divorced
To request the termination of your spouse and children’s immigration record, go to: iStart > Dependents: Spouse or Child > Remove Spouse or Child
Important: The purpose of the dependent F-2 visa is to accompany the primary F-1. If this situation changes, the dependent should exit the U.S. or change to a different immigration status.
Which Document is Required for My Spouse and Children/Dependents?
Each family member (also known as “dependent”), i.e., spouse and children under 21, must have their own I-20 to enter the U.S. in F-2 status.
How Do I Request an I-20 for My Spouse and Children//Dependents?
- Current students should request an I-20 for spouse and children through iStart:
iStart > Dependents: Spouse or Child > Add Spouse or Child Future Penn State students should select the option to request a dependent’s I-20 when completing the I-20 request process.
Is U.S. Health Insurance Required for My Spouse and Children/Dependents?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all of your F-2 spouse and children.
Can My Spouse and Children/Dependents Work While in the U.S.?
F-2 dependents are not permitted to work while in the U.S. They may want to consider exploring volunteer opportunities.
Can My Spouse and Children/Dependents Study While in the U.S.?
- F-2 spouses: Your spouse may study part-time while in F-2 status. If your spouse would like to study full-time, they will need to apply for a change of status to F-1.
- F-2 children:
- Your children may study full-time from kindergarten through high school (K–12) while maintaining F-2 status.
- After completing high school, an F-2 child who is under 21 may continue to study part-time. If they would like to pursue full-time study beyond high school, they will need to apply for a change of status to F-1.
What Do My Spouse and Children/Dependents Need to Travel Outside the U.S.?
- When you request a travel signature, the approval also provides a travel signature for your F-2 family members/dependents. Your ISSA Adviser will endorse the I-20 with travel signatures for all individuals listed on the I-20.
- Request a travel signature through iStart:
iStart > Other Requests > Travel Signature - While traveling, dependents should carry the following:
- I-20 with travel signature,
- Valid passport, and
- Valid F-2 or J-2 visa.
- Recommended: financial information and proof of your enrollment
When Will My Spouse and Children/Dependent’s F-2 Status End?
Your spouse and children’s immigration status is directly related to yours, the primary visa holder.
Your dependent’s status ends when:
- Your F-1 immigration status ends
- Your spouse and children/dependent(s) decide(s) to leave the U.S. permanently or for an extended period
- Spouses become separated/divorced
To request the termination of your spouse and children’s immigration record, go to: iStart > Dependents: Spouse or Child > Remove Spouse or Child
Important: The purpose of the dependent F-2 visa is to accompany the primary F-1. If this situation changes, the dependent should exit the U.S. or change to a different immigration status.
