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Bringing family on F-2 (what dependents can & can’t do)
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About
Who this is for
F-1 students whose spouse or unmarried minor children will come to the United States as F-2 dependents.
How F-2 status starts
- Tell your DSO you want to bring dependents.
- The DSO issues a separate Form I-20 for each dependent.
- Each dependent applies for the F-2 visa and carries their own I-20 for the visa/travel process.
- State says dependents apply for a visa but do not pay the SEVIS fee.
What F-2 dependents can and cannot do
- Work: F-2 dependents may not work in the United States. Study in the States also says they are not eligible for Social Security numbers.
- F-2 spouse study: an F-2 spouse may study only within the allowed dependent-study limits. ICE regulations state an F-2 spouse may not engage in a full course of study.
- F-2 child K-12: ICE regulations allow an F-2 child to engage in full-time study in elementary or secondary school, kindergarten through grade 12.
- College/full course of study: a dependent who wants full-time post-secondary study normally needs the right student status before starting that full course.
- Status depends on the F-1: F-2 status is tied to the principal F-1 student maintaining valid status.
Practical checklist
- Ask the DSO for dependent I-20s and dependent funding documentation.
- Prepare visa applications and interview documents for each dependent.
- Do not let an F-2 spouse work, including on-campus work.
- Ask the DSO before any adult dependent enrolls in more than part-time or recreational study.
- Enroll F-2 minor children in K-12 as allowed by school/state rules.
Official sources checked July 9, 2026
Frequently asked
Can my spouse work on F-2?
No. DHS says F-2 dependents may not work in the United States. They need a separate work-authorized status to work.
Can my spouse study on F-2?
Only within dependent-study limits. ICE regulations state an F-2 spouse may not engage in a full course of study; ask the DSO before enrolling.
Can my kids go to school?
Yes. ICE regulations allow an F-2 child to study full time in elementary or secondary school, kindergarten through grade 12.
Do dependents pay the SEVIS fee?
State says F-2 dependents must have individual I-20s and apply for visas, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee.
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