F-2 Dependent Information
F-2 dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried minor child (<21 years of age) of an F-1 student.
They
- may enter the US with the F-1 student or after the F-1 student arrives but never before
- cannot be employed and may not volunteer for any opportunity that should be a paid position
- For first entry to US, must have Form I-20 with signature on page 1
- For later reentry, must have Form I-20 with travel signature on page 2 that is less than a year old whenever reentering the US, along with passport valid for at least six months and valid F-2 visa
- may be enrolled part-time as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student at Purdue University (Exception: Elementary, middle school, & high school students may enroll fulltime)
- must exit the United States if F-1 student has been outside US >5 months or when the F-1 ends their program
Inviting an F-2 Dependent
F-1 students may invite a spouse or unmarried minor children to join them at Purdue University by submitting a MyISS eform request.
- Go to MyISS (BoilerKey required)>F-1 and J-1 Student Services>Dependent Management Group>Request to Add a Dependent
- Complete the eform providing the following:
- F-1 documents
- If the passport record on file with ISS has expired, the F-1 must upload the new passport
- F-1 visa
- Current I-94
- Evidence of financial support (bank statement, sponsor letter, assistantship letter, etc) showing sufficient funding to cover F-1 expenses plus $750 per month (West Lafayette) or $1,075 per month (Indianapolis) for each dependent to be added. If multiple documents, merge them together into one file to upload
- Passport copies for each dependent
- Submit eform: request will be complete within 14 days
ISS will prepare a dependent I-20 marked "for use by dependents".
F-2 Visa Application
The dependent(s) will then use the I-20 to apply for an F-2 dependent visa at the US Embassy or Consulate. The following items must also accompany the visa application:
- Proof of relationship:
- Spouse: Original or attested true copy of marriage certificate
- Child: Birth Certificate
- Original financial documentation
- Demonstration of residence abroad
- DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Passport for each applicant
Report Dependent Arrival
When the F-2 dependents arrive in the US, the F-1 student must submit MyISS>F-1 and J-1 Student Services>Dependent Management Group>Report Dependent Arrival.
Remove Dependent
If the F-2 dependent changes their status successfully to another status (such as F-1), the F-1 principal visa holder must have the dependent record and dependent expenses removed from their SEVIS record. The F-1 should also update their record if their relationship has changed (death, divorce).
To update the F-1 record, submit MyISS>F-1 and J-1 Student Services>Dependent Management Group>Request to Remove a Dependent