Bringing Your Family

Request a Dependent Document

To request a dependent I-20 or DS-2019 from International Student Services (ISS), submit the Dependent Document e-forms.

Required documents

  • Copies of your dependents’ passport biographical pages
  • Proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate listing the parents’ names (children)
  • Proof of funding for your own expenses for a year plus $8,000 for your spouse and $5,000 for each child
  • Proof of health insurance (J-2 dependents only — see below)

Establish Dependent Status

If your dependent is outside the U.S., check with the specific U.S. consulate or embassy where they will apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa for application requirements. If your dependent is in the U.S. and would like to apply for a change of status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), meet with an international student advisor for more information.

Maintain Status in the U.S.

F-2 and J-2 dependents can stay in the U.S. as long as the F-1 or J-1 student is maintaining status. Dependents’ statuses end when the F-1 or J-1 student’s status ends due to record completion, termination for any reason, change of immigration status, divorce, or turning 21 (children).

Study

F-2 Dependents

  • Children can study full-time at the K–12 level (elementary, middle, or high school).
  • F-2 dependents can enroll for less than a full course of study at an SEVP-certified college, university, or community college, even if that part-time study eventually leads to a degree or certificate.
    • Undergraduate: 11 units or fewer per semester
    • Graduate: 8 units or fewer per semester
    • 900-level courses only: up to 2 units per semester
    • Advanced Status: not permitted
  • F-2 dependents who want to study full-time at the post-secondary level must change to F-1 status. Meet with an international student advisor for more information.
  • F-2 dependents may also participate part-time or full-time in avocational or recreational studies, such as hobbies.

J-2 Dependents

  • There are no enrollment restrictions for J-2 dependents.

Employment Authorization

F-2 dependents are prohibited from engaging in employment (paid or unpaid). Working without authorization can result in termination of the F-2 dependent.

J-2 dependents can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS to work in the U.S. The employment cannot be for the purpose of supporting the J-1. For more information, meet with an international student advisor.

Health Insurance

F-2 dependents are not required to carry health insurance; however, due to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., we strongly encourage students to purchase insurance for any F-2 dependents.

J-2 dependents must carry health insurance at all times. Not carrying insurance that meets the minimum requirements is a violation of status and can result in SEVIS record termination.

Page 2 of the DS-2019 explains the health insurance requirements:

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Medical evacuation expenses of at least $50,000
  • Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

You must purchase private insurance for your J-2 dependents because they cannot be insured through Campus Health. Most insurance plans do not include repatriation and medical evacuation, so you may need additional coverage.

Learn more about private health insurance options.

Travel

After initially entering the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 status, dependents who travel and reenter the U.S. must present the same documents required of the F-1 or J-1 primary (see Travel).

To request a travel signature for your dependent, submit the Travel Signature e-form.

Special considerations

  • Children under 18 traveling without both parents or a legal guardian may need a notarized letter of consent.
  • Dependents may travel without the primary as long as the F-1 or J-1 student is maintaining status. Meet with an international student advisor with questions.
  • If the primary is on OPT and dependents travel alone, they should carry a copy of the F-1 I-20 with OPT annotations and/or the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Alien Registration Requirement

All F-2 and J-2 dependents who entered the U.S. before turning 14 and will remain for 30 days or longer after their 14th birthday must apply for registration and (if required) fingerprinting within 30 days of turning 14. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for ensuring this requirement is completed.

To register, create a USCIS online account and submit Form G-325R. If biometrics are required, USCIS will schedule an appointment.

In most cases, dependents who entered the U.S. at age 14 or older are already registered automatically (as shown on Form I-94) and do not need additional steps.

More information is available at USCIS: Alien Registration Requirement.

Additional Resources

For practical information and community resources for families living in Tucson — including education, childcare options, healthcare, campus-friendly spaces, and activities for dependents — visit the Family Resources page in our Success Guide. This guide is designed to help you and your loved ones adjust to life in Tucson, connect with local services, and make the most of your time here.