F-2/J-2 Dependents

F-1 and J-1 international students are eligible to bring their spouse and/or children to the United States. To request a dependent, as the F-1/J-1 primary student you must be, or will be within 30 days of your arrival to the U.S., enrolled in a full course of study or engaged in approved practical training.  

F-1 Students 

How to request an F-2 Dependent to be added

1.  Gather the following required documents:

• Valid Financial Guarantee | Proof of Funding
• Copy of your dependent(s) passport

2. Verify that your LOCAL address in My ASU is your current residential address.  

3. Submit the Dependent Request Form through the ISSC eForm Portal.

• If additional information or documentation is needed, the ISSC will contact you directly by email or phone.

• You will receive an email from the ISSC when your dependent(s) I-20 is ready. Please allow up to 7 business days for processing. This does not include weekends or ASU observed holidays. During peak seasons, processing times may be more than 7 business days as we deal with a higher volume of requests.

4. Once your dependent receives their I-20 they must apply for an F-2 visa. There are two ways in which to apply for an F-2 visa:

1. Apply for an F-2 visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad. Enter the U.S. with an F-2 dependent I-20 using an approved F-2 visa. The new immigration status will be activated when they arrive or return to the U.S.

2. Apply for change of status through USCIS. You must review the eligibility requirements and consult with an advisor to see whether this option is available for your dependent or not.

Please note: For both processes, you will be required to submit proof of the relationship with your dependents. For example, a marriage certificate for spouses and a birth certificate for children.

How to request an F-2 Dependent to be removed

F-2 dependents can be removed or terminated for the following reasons: 

• Child turns the age of 21
• Death
• Divorce
• Other reasons requested by the F-1 primary student 

If you wish to have your F-2 dependent(s) removed from your F-1 SEVIS record, please follow these steps: 

1.  Gather one of the following required documents:

• Personal statement from F-1 primary student indicating reason for F-2 removal
• For a child: Copy of Dependent Passport Biographical page(s)
• For a spouse: Certified Divorce Certificate and a certified English translation
• Proof of change of visa status (I-797C Approval Notice, Green Card, etc.)
• Departure Stamp or Boarding Ticket
• Certified Death Certificate and a certified English translation

2. Verify that your LOCAL address in My ASU is your current residential address.  

3. Submit the Dependent Request Form through the ISSC eForm Portal.

• If additional information or documentation is needed, the ISSC will contact you directly by email or phone.

• You will receive an email from the ISSC when your new I-20 is ready.

J-1 Students

How to request a Dependent DS-2019

If you are a J-1 Student and wish to add a dependent, please email issc@asu.edu for further advisement. 

F-2/J-2 students

Work Permissions for F-2/J-2 Dependents

• Dependents on F-2 visas are prohibited from working on or off-campus by USCIS regulations.

• J-2 visa holders can work once they obtain an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

School Enrollment for F-2/J-2 Dependents

• F-2/J-2 dependent children of primary or secondary school age are eligible for public schools; contact the school in your area for enrollment details.

• F-2 spouses can engage in study at a certified University in the United States as long as they are enrolled in less than a full course of study.

• F-2 spouses should file for a change of status to an F-1 status if they are admitted to a university program and wish to study full time.

• J-2 dependents may study while in the United States.

Health and Accident Insurance for F-2/J-2 Dependents

Although current regulations do not require F-2 Dependents to carry health and accident insurance, it is anticipated that coverage will soon become mandatory. Due to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., insurance for dependents is highly recommended.

J-2 Dependents must have health insurance.  The U.S. Department of State requires J-1 and J-2 students to obtain valid health insurance. The requirements are: