Dependents

F-2 Dependents

The spouse and unmarried minor children (under the age of 21) of an F-1 student can be admitted in F-2 status to accompany the student to the United States or join the student at a later date.

Requesting the F-2 I-20

  • Initial F-1 Students. Upon receiving the email with instructions for obtaining your  I-20, you should inform the I-20 Team that you intend on bringing dependents. Be prepared to show additional funding in the amount of $4,500 for the first dependent and $2,500 for each additional dependent and passport information. For any questions about obtaining the F-2 I-20 as an initial student, please email i20@kent.edu. Upon receiving the F-2 I-20, the F-1 student should sign the I-20.
  • Current F-1 Students. If you would like to invite your dependents to join you in the U.S. please email isss@kent.edu or make an appointment. Be prepared to show additional funding in the amount of $4,500 for the first dependent and $2,500 for each additional dependent and passport information. An ISSS advisor will work with you to create the F-2 I-20. Upon receiving the F-2 I-20, the F-1 student should sign the I-20.

F-2 Visa 

  • After obtaining the F-2 I-20, the dependent will need to make an F-2 visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It may be helpful to review the tips provided on our Apply For Your Visa page.
  • If your dependent is already in the U.S. under a different visa status and would like to change to an F-2 dependent, please review the information on the Change to F-2 Status Guide.

F-2 Immigration Check-In

  • Upon entry into the U.S. the F-1 must report the arrival of the dependent(s) and bring their passport, I-94, and I-20 to ISSS during an appointment visit. 

Study

  • F-2 dependents may study at the post-secondary level part-time in the U.S.
  • F-2 children may fully enroll in elementary or secondary school full time

Employment

  • F-2 dependents are not permitted to engage in any employment

J-2 Dependents

The spouse and unmarried minor children (under the age of 21) of a J-1 Visitor (student/scholar) may accompany the J-1 student/scholar to the United States or follow the J-1 at a later date. The dependent family members will be granted J-2 status provided they establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and of the immigration officer at the port of entry that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses or that other arrangements have been made to provide for their expenses, and "that they intend to leave the U.S. upon the termination of the status of the J-1 student/scholar.

Requesting the J-2 DS-2019

  • Initial J-1 Students/Scholars. You may request your dependent's DS-2019 along with your initial DS-2019. Be prepared to show additional funding in the amount of $450 per month for the first dependent and $250 per month for each additional dependent. You will also need to provide a copy of each dependent's passport and proof of health insurance for each dependent satisfactory to the requirements of the J-1 student/scholar requirements. 
  • Current J-1 Students/Scholars. If you would like to invite your dependents to join you in the U.S. please email isss@kent.edu or set up an advising appointment. Be prepared to show additional funding in the amount of $450 per month for the first dependent and $250 per month for each additional dependent. You will also need to provide a copy of each dependent's passport and proof of health insurance for each dependent satisfactory to the requirements of the J-1 student/scholar requirements. 
  • Note: For questions about obtaining the J-2 DS-2019, please email isss@kent.edu or make an appointment with an ISSS Advisor. 

J-2 Visa 

  • After obtaining the J-2 DS-2019 the dependent will need to make an J-2 visa appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It may be helpful to review the tips provided on our Apply For Your Visa page.
  • Be sure that the J-1 student/scholar signs the DS-2019 prior to sending the document to the J-2 dependent.

J-2 Immigration Check-In

  • Upon entry into the U.S. the J-1 student/scholar must report the arrival of the dependent(s) and bring their passport, I-94, and DS-2019 to ISSS during an appointment visit. 

Study

  • J-2s may fully engage in any academic program at any level

Employment

  • J-2 dependents may request employment from USCIS. The income for such employment must be used to supplement or enhance the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 student/scholar. Support for the J-1 student/scholar and dependent(s) must be provided by the J-1.
  • To begin the application process, make an appointment with an ISSS advisor and bring the following:
    • Completed Form I-765
    • Check or money order in the amount of $410.00 made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
    • Photocopy of the J-1 DS-2019 and the J-2 DS-2019(s)
    • A written statement, with any supporting evidence showing that your employment is not necessary to support the J-1, but is for other purposes such as cultural activities and tourist activities
    • Copy of I-94 printout, found here
    • Two passport-sized photos
  • If permission for employment is authorized an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued and is valid for any kind of full-time or part-time employment for the period of time stated on the EAD. The employment authorization is valid only if the J-1 student/scholar is maintaining status. 
© 2024 Kent State University All rights reserved.