Immigration & Visas: F-1 Students

• Immigration & Visas
• Visa Information for Newly Admitted Students
• F-1 Student Status
• I-20 Extension
• Changing Visa Status to F-1
• Current students: I-20 to request F-1 status
• Employment in F-1 Status
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• Extensions of OPT
• OPT Frequently Asked Questions
• OPT Report Form
• Are you Graduating Soon?
• Leave of Absence & "In Absentia" registration
• Medical Leave of Absence
• Change in Level or Degree Program
• Transfer of Schools
• Bringing F-2 dependents
• For Departments: I-9 for F-1 student

F-1 Students: Bringing F-2 Dependents

To bring your spouse or child(ren) to the United States, F-1 students need to obtain a new Form I-20 for them to apply for F-2 visas at the US embassy or consulate overseas. F-2 visas are only for immediate family members (spouse and children). In order for the International Students and Scholars Office to issue the I-20 for your family, you must show financial support for each accompanying family member for the entire period of time expected to complete the degree or three full years, whichever is shorter. In other words, for those who need more than three years to complete your degree program, you only need to provide evidence of financial support for three years.

Minimum required support for one year:

$11,520 for husband or wife
$6,127 for one child
$3,600 for each additional child

Proof of funding (depending on the source) may either be a recent bank statement (letter from bank with record of your account) of your bank account(s), or a letter from your academic department with your TA/RA funding details, or a letter from your sponsor saying they will support you along with copies of their bank statements. If your parents or your parents-in-law or other family members will support you, you need to bring a letter from them stating their willingness to support you along with copies of their bank statements.

All family members should be covered by medical insurance while they are here in the United States.

Once the ISSO has all the required documentation, it will take us 3 to 5 working days to process the I-20.

Please download and fill out the form or print the following form and fill out.