F-2 and J-2 Visas: Bringing Your Family to the U.S.
If you are heading to the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa, your spouse and children can often come with you as dependents. F-1 students bring family on F-2 visas, and J-1 exchange visitors bring family on J-2 visas. The rules differ in a few important ways, especially around work.
Who qualifies as a dependent
Only your spouse and your unmarried children under 21 qualify for F-2 or J-2 status. Parents, siblings, and partners you are not legally married to do not qualify and would need a different visa to visit.
Each dependent needs their own document
Your school or sponsor issues a separate I-20 for each F-2 dependent, or a separate DS-2019 for each J-2 dependent. Each family member then completes their own DS-160 visa application, pays the visa application (MRV) fee, and usually attends the visa interview with you.
The SEVIS fee and dependents
Here is the good news: F-2 and J-2 dependents do not pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Only the principal F-1 or J-1 applicant pays it. So if you are bringing a spouse and two children, you still pay the SEVIS fee just once, for yourself.
What dependents can and cannot do
- F-2 spouses cannot work in the United States, and cannot enrol in full-time degree study. They may do part-time or recreational study and full-time study at the elementary and secondary level for children.
- J-2 spouses can apply for work authorization (an Employment Authorization Document) from USCIS, and may study. This is one of the bigger practical differences between the two categories.
- Children on F-2 or J-2 status may attend school (K-12).
Applying together
Dependents can apply at the same time as you or join you later. They will need their own valid passports, their I-20 or DS-2019, proof of the relationship (marriage and birth certificates), and evidence that you can support them financially. The financial requirement goes up with each dependent, so plan for it.
Key takeaway
You pay the SEVIS fee once, for yourself, even with a family. F-2 spouses cannot work; J-2 spouses can apply to. Each dependent still needs their own form, DS-160, and visa fee.
Ready to handle your own SEVIS fee? Pay it here. New to the visa categories? Read F-1 vs J-1 vs M-1.
Pay in your local currency and we settle the I-901 fee and send your official receipt.
Pay the SEVIS fee in your local currency