If your spouse or child(ren) will be coming to the U.S. with you at any point during your studies, they may qualify for an F-2 visa. Any individual pursuing an F-2 Visa will need their own Form I-20 and F-2 dependent visa stamp in their passport to enter the U.S.
How to Apply for an F-2 Dependent Form I-20
*IMPORTANT* All required documents and information must be submitted when this request form is completed. You cannot add documents to your applications after submission, your incomplete application will be denied and you must resubmit a completed application. |
To apply for a dependent F-2 Form I-20 for a spouse or child, submit the following documents to the International Student Services office:
- Submit the F-1 Student: Adding an F-2 Dependent Request Form
- Application for the Form I-20 Request
- A translated copy of your marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (child)
- A copy of your dependent(s) passport biographical page
- SUNY International Student Fianacial Statement form
- Financial documents (bank statement or bank letter) that demonstrate enough funding to cover your dependent(s).
- Spouse $6,000
- Each child $4,000
To be fair to all students, applications to the ISS are processed in the order received and will not be expedited.
*There is no need to contact the ISS to inquire about the status of your request or to inform us of your submission. We do not expedite requests and process them as quickly as possible; in the order it is received. Once your request is processed, you will be notified through the email address provided. * |
Once the F-2 Form I-20 is ready, you will receive the F-2 Dependent Form I-20(s) via email.
Your dependent must follow one of the steps outlined below in order to obtain F-2 status. F-2 status is not acquired when the F-2 Dependent Form I-20 is issued by the ISS.
Next steps:
Your dependent must follow one of the steps outlined below in order to obtain F-2 status. F-2 status is not acquired when the F-2 Dependent Form I-20 is issued by the ISS.
- If your dependent is outside of the U.S.:
- Review the U.S. consulate or embassy website for F-2 visa application requirements.
- If your dependent is in the U.S. with a different immigration status, they may either:
- Travel outside of the U.S. to obtain an F-2 Visa with a U.S. Embassy abroad and reenter the U.S., or
- Remain in the U.S. and apply for a change of immigration status with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- For information and application requirements for change of nonimmigrant status applications, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- An approved change of status application with USCIS will not issue an F-2 visa stamp in your dependent's passport.
- If a change of status is approved, and your dependent wishes to travel outside of the U.S. in the future, they will be required to obtain an F-2 visa stamp while outside of the U.S. to re-enter the U.S.
Important information for F-2 dependents:
- F-2 dependents may not engage in employment or other business under any circumstances.
- An F-2 spouse and child may engage in study/education that is avocational or recreational in nature
- Part-time or full-time.
- Will not lead to or result in a degree or certification
- F-2 dependents may study at an undergraduate college or university or at a community college or junior college
- Part-time enrollment ONLY.
- An F-2 child may enroll full time in any elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade).
