F-2 Visa Essentials

An F-1 student may bring their spouse and children to the U.S. while they study by pursuing an F-2 Visa for each dependent. Review the timeline below for more information about this process.

1. The first step is to receive an I-20 for each dependent. This may be done at the same time or after you receive your own I-20. To issue an I-20 for a spouse, your admissions counselor will need a copy of their passport and a copy of your marriage certificate. To issue an I-20 for a child, your admissions counselor will need a copy of their passport and a copy of their birth certificate.
2. Next, ensure you can show financial support. As a reminder, the minimum financial support required is as follows: $22,500 for graduate students, $47,550 for undergraduate students, and $25,000 for Leap Advantage students. If you wish to bring a dependent, you must be able to show an additional $5,000 of financial support for a spouse and an additional $2,500 in financial support per child.
3. Once you receive your I-20 and an I-20 for each dependent, a separate DS-160 form and application fee must be submitted for each person. However, please note that the primary F-1 student is the only one who needs to pay the I-901 fee.
4. Finally, schedule your F-1 Visa appointment as well as a separate F-2 Visa appointment. Again, since these are separate appointments, you can begin the F-2 Visa process for any dependents at the same time or after pursuing your own F-1 Visa. Be sure to bring the correct DS-160 confirmation, valid passport, additional passport photo, I-20 document, relationship documentation (marriage or birth certificate), and proof of financial support.