Bringing Family Members as Dependents on F-2

Form I-20 for the dependent(s) is required to apply for an F-2 dependent visa. The following documentation must be submitted to OISS to obtain the dependent I-20:

• REQUEST FOR FORM I-20 FOR DEPENDENT(S) Marriage Certificate (MUST be translated in ENGLISH)
• Copy of personal identification page of dependent passport(s)
• Financial documentation of $5,000 for spouse and $3,500 for each child to prove sufficient funding to cover living expenses for all dependents to stay in the U.S. 
• Health insurance for each dependent. (See "Health Insurance” on OISS website for coverage requirement and cost. To purchase Rutgers insurance, please contact Eirinn Jones, International Health Insurance Coordinator by email at eljones@global.rutgers.edu. If you have an assistantship which provides you with health insurance, please ask your hiring department to complete and sign Page 2 of the REQUEST FOR FORM I-20 FOR F-2 DEPENDENT(S) confirming that your dependent(s) will be covered by employee health benefits. (Note: Dependent I-20 Form(s) will not be issued if proof of health insurance is not provided.)
• Check or Money order payable to Rutgers University for the one-time SEVIS Administrative fee payment of $50.00 for spouse and $25 for each child.

Dependent(s) should submit the following documents to the U.S. consulate nearest to their home for F-2 visa application:

• Original Dependent Form I-20 properly signed, financial documentation, passport and passport-type photo
• Invitation letter from F-1 student
• Photocopy of F-1 student's most recent I-20, F-1 visa, I-94 record and passport bio page and expiration date

Various immigrant and nonimmigrant visa holders decide to change their current status to F-1 visa status. The two options for changing to F-1 status are traveling overseas to your U.S. embassy and receiving the F-1 visa stamping or filing for a change of status within the United States. Both options can be provided support from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. If you are considering changing your current legal status to F-1 visa status, please contact our office for more detailed information and answers to your questions.

Please Note: The Office of International Student and Scholar services does not provide legal advice. Our office always recommends consulting with an attorney when filing for a change of status within the United States.