F-2 Dependent Requests
Find information about how to request an I-20 for an F-2 dependent, which may be a legally married spouse and/or unmarried minor children (under 21 years old). All other relatives who wish to visit the U.S. should apply for B-2 (tourism and visit) visa status or the Visa Waiver Program, if eligible.
Request Form I-20 from ISEO
Students currently in F-1 visa status who wish to add their F-2 dependent will need to obtain a Form I-20 from ISEO for each dependent.
Submit a Dependent I-20 Request in iServices:
- Find the Verification and Support Services category in the left menu.
- Select the Dependent I-20 Request.
- Upload PDF copies of:
- Dependent’s biographical page from passport.
- Financial documentation that covers estimated expenses for your tuition and fees, combined living expenses, and other expenses for both yourself and your F-2 dependent(s).
- You must show funding to cover expenses for 12 months or the remainder of your study, whichever is less. Use the Funding Requirements page to determine the exact amount.
- Submit the required eForm. You will receive a confirmation email when your request has been successfully submitted.
- ISEO has an average processing time of 10 business days. You will be notified via email when your request is complete.
Apply for Visa or Change Status
Your F-2 dependent will need to do ONE of the following two actions:
- Apply for an F-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, and then enter the U.S. with the F-2 visa stamp in their passport.
OR - If your dependent is already in the U.S. in a different visa status, and prefers not to travel outside the U.S. to do the option 1 described above, they will need to file an I-539 Application To Change Status (COS) with USCIS while remaining in the U.S. Your dependent is required to maintain their current visa status while their COS is pending with USCIS.