International students on an F-1 visa may bring their spouse and unmarried children (under age 21) to the United States. In order to do so, the F-1 visa holder must request an F-2 I-20 for each dependent so that they can apply for an F-2 visa in their home country. Dependents, or F-2 visa holders, can remain in the United States legally a long as the F-1 holder is in the country legally.
Things to know
Once the F-1 visa holder has completed their studies and have left the U.S., the F-2 dependents must leave as well.
If an F-2 child dependent turns over 21 while in the United States, they are no longer eligible for to F-2 visa status, and therefore they must change their visa status to remain in the United States.
For example, the child over 21 years old can apply for a U.S. college, get accepted, and get the F-1 visa
At the end of the F-1 program, the F-1 and F-2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the United States for 60 days (this is called the 60-day grace period). Once the F-1 visa holder leaves the United States, the F-2 dependents must leave as well.
F-2 dependents are not allowed to get employment in the U.S. However, they are allowed to participate in volunteer work as long as there is no compensasion of any kind.
F-2 dependents may study in the United States part time at the postsecondary level (higher than high school level) as long as the institution is certified by SEVP.
F-2 dependents may study full-time as long as it's leisurely (for fun/hobbies).
F-2 children must comply with the education requirements in attending kindergarten through 12th grade if an F-2 child is between 7 and 18 years old.
If your F-2 child is under 6 years old and you plan to place them in childcare, be sure to start searching now and secure a spot as soon as you get a visa. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARRIVE HERE! Finding childcare in Emporia is currently quite challenging. ESU has childcare center on campus, but they are not accepting any new applications due to its upcoming closure.
When F-2 dependents travel internationally, they must get a travel signature from the OIE prior to their trip.
Next steps
Complete the F-2 I-20 request form from the button below.
Please submit every required item and click on the Submit button at the end of the form. Until you do so, the OIE will not see your submission. Required documents are:
Financial guarantee or bank statement that's less than 6 months old. This must show that you have enough funds to support the cost of attendance for the F-1 visa holder AND additional $3000 for each dependent.
Passport scan of the dependent(s)
Email oisa@emporia.edu to notify that you have submitted the request form.
Wait for up to 10 business days to receive an F-2 I-20 by email.
Print out both F-1 and F-2 I-20s. F-1 visa holder must sign all of them with a pen. Mail the F-2 I-20s to the dependents if they are overseas.
Make a visa interview appointment. F-2 dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee as long as the F-1 visa holder has paid.
If you are a new student traveling to Kansas with your dependents, please let us know about it by emailing oisa@emporia.edu. This is important especially if you and your dependents plan to take our airport shuttle.
