F-1: Dependent Information

F-2 dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried minor child (under 21 years of age) of an F-1 student. F-2 dependents:

• may not be admitted as a full-time degree seeking student;
• may not be employed;
• may enter the U.S. with or after the F-1 nonimmigrant, but never before;
• must have a Form I-20 every time they travel outside the United States, separately from the F-1 nonimmigrant;
• may not remain in the U.S. after the F-1 student is absent from the U.S. unless temporary absence of less than five months.

Inviting an F-2 Dependent
An F-1 students may invite his/her spouse or unmarried children to join them after arriving at KU by the following method:

1. Complete an I-20 Request form
2. Provide current evidence of financial support (bank statement, sponsor letter, etc.) for yourself and your dependent(s). Please view prices here: CLAS costsheet or here: Compact CLAS cost sheet
. If you do not have adobe reader, and cannot view these documents, please call our office at (785) 864-3617.
3. Submit completed documents to an ISSS advisor by appointment.

An ISSS advsior will prepare the necessary SEVIS dependent I-20(s). The student's dependent(s) will then use the I-20(s), marked "for use by dependents", to apply for an F-2 dependent visa at an U.S. Embassy or Consulate in his/her home country.
Important When the F-2 dependents arrive in the U.S., the F-1 student should bring the dependent's travel documents (passport, visa, I-94, I-20) to the ISSS office for photocopying.