Bringing dependents (F-2 & J-2)

What you’ll find here: Information on how spouses and children can join F-1 or J-1 visa holders as dependents, financial and document requirements, and important information on check-in procedures, health insurance, work authorization, study options and reporting obligations.

Who qualifies

  • F-2/J-2 Status: Spouses of F-1 or J-1 visa holders
  • Children: Unmarried children under 21

Sponsoring a dependent

F-1/J-1 visa holders must request an I-20 (F-2) or DS-2019 (J-2) for their dependents if they will come separately from the student or scholar. If your spouse or children will visit for a short period only, they may wish to apply for a tourist visa instead. See the Department of State website for more information.

Funding requirements

Number of Dependents Estimated Living Expenses (per year)
1 $9,000
2 $13,500
3 $18,000
4 $22,500

Documents required (Submit via DocuSign)

  • Proof of relationship (Marriage or Birth Certificate, translated into English if applicable)
  • Copy of dependent’s passport
  • Financial documentation showing required funds
  • Dependent Request Form

Processing time: 5–7 business days for continuing scholars. New scholars submit documents with their DS-2019 Request (Part I).

Reporting obligations on arrival

All dependents must check in with the International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office upon arrival.

Bring:

  • Original I-20/DS-2019
  • Original Passport & Visa
  • I-94 Arrival Record (print from cbp.gov/I94)
  • Proof of Health Insurance (see below)
  • U.S. residential address, U.S. phone number, and email

To make an appointment, email isss@smu.edu.

Health insurance requirements (J-2)

J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents must maintain continuous medical insurance from program start to end with at least:

  • $100,000 per accident or illness
  • $25,000 repatriation of remains
  • $50,000 medical evacuation
  • Deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness

Failure to comply can result in termination of SEVIS records.

Forms:

Employment for J-2 dependents

A J-2 spouse or child may work in the U.S. only after receiving an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS (processing: 3–4 months).

  • Dependent must hold valid J-2 status; Exchange Visitor must hold valid J-1 status.
    Income earned cannot be used to support the J-1.
  • Employment may be part-time or full-time for any employer (except practicing medicine).
  • USCIS authorizes work for up to one year at a time or until the DS-2019 expiration date, whichever is sooner.

How to Apply: Email internationalscholars@smu.edu to schedule an appointment with an Alternative/Responsible Officer.

Prepare:
  • J-2 Employment Authorization form & completed Form I-765 (“(C)(5)( )” for Q.20)
  • Check or money order to DHS for filing fee
  • Two passport photos (I-94 number and name on back in pencil)
  • Copies of J-1’s and J-2’s DS-2019, passport pages, I-94 cards/printouts
  • Brief letter from J-2 explaining work is not to support J-1
  • Copies of previous EAD cards (if any)
  • Marriage or birth certificate and English translation (if not in English)
  • Optional: Form G-1145 e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

Form:

Study

  • F-2 Dependents: May study only part-time.
  • J-2 Dependents: May study part-time or full-time.
  • J-2 dependents interested in SMU’s Intensive English Program can visit the program website.

Reporting early departure

  • Notify ISSS if a dependent leaves the U.S. permanently.
  • For J-2 dependents, ISSS must report early departures in SEVIS.
  • Submit the to internationalscholars@smu.edu within 15 days of departure.