Bringing Dependents to the United States

Students who want to bring their dependents to join them in the United States must file an I-20 request for an F-1 student's dependent. The U.S. issues an I-20 for the dependent to request an F-2 visa.

Students must allow the Center for International Studies seven full business days after submission of a complete application to process the request.

Types

All documents must be translated into English.

  • Spouse
    • The couple must provide a valid marriage certificate.
    • Same-sex marriages must be legally recognized in the location where the marriage took place.
  • Child
    • Unmarried children under the age of 21. The F-1 student must provide a valid birth certificate.

Eligibility

F-1 students may apply if:

  • The student is in valid F-1 status.
  • Sufficient financial resources are documented.
  • The dependent has a valid passport.

Application

Complete all sections of the packet, including:

  • I-20 request for dependent of F-1 student
  • Health insurance release
  • Financial documentation
    • The student must demonstrate sufficient funding to cover the current academic year.
    • The student must also demonstrate sufficient funding to cover:
      • $6,500 for the first dependent
      • $4,000 for each additional dependent
      • $1,000 per month for living expenses if the student is participating in approved Optional Practical Training
  • Financial documents must:
    • Be originals, photocopies, scanned copies, or faxed documents printed on bank letterhead and certified with the bank's stamp or seal; authenticity may be verified
    • Be dated within six months of the submission date
    • Include a letter in English from a sponsor indicating willingness to provide financial support, if applicable
    • Be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translation
  • Provide supporting documentation, including:
    • A copy of the dependent's passport biographical page showing the photo, personal information, and expiration date

Drop off or mail the completed packet for review to:

Center for International Studies
Centennial Hall 125
720 Fourth Ave S
St. Cloud, MN 56301

An advisor will:

  • Review the packet and notify the student by email to pick up the documents, provide additional materials, or inform the student if the request is denied
  • Provide a letter of invitation for each dependent issued an I-20 for use during the visa interview

The student must pick up the packet and letter at the Center for International Studies, Lawrence Hall 101.

F-2 Dependent Academic Study

  • Kindergarten through 12th grade study is permitted.
  • Intensive English Center
    • Maximum of 17 hours per week
    • Apply directly to the Intensive English Center
    • Study may count toward a certificate
  • Undergraduate study
  • Graduate study
  • Avocational or recreational study
    • No maximum credit limit

Key Points

  • An F-2 child may only engage in full-time study at the elementary or secondary level (kindergarten through 12th grade).
  • F-2 dependents may not engage in any type of employment.
  • F-2 dependents may enroll in online classes.
  • F-2 dependents are not eligible for Curricular Practical Training or Optional Practical Training.
  • F-2 dependents are not eligible for the Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship and must pay non-resident tuition.
  • F-2 dependents may remain in the United States as long as the F-1 student maintains status.
  • F-2 dependents must depart the United States when the F-1 student's status or program ends.
  • An F-2 spouse may not engage in full-time study.
  • An F-2 spouse or child may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature (to pursue a hobby, whether occasional, casual, or recreational).
  • An F-2 spouse or child who wishes to engage in full-time study or to pursue an educational objective must apply for a change to F-1 status to begin that study.
  • If an F-2 dependent enrolls in a full-time course load, there will be consequences to the dependent's status at the time of future status changes.