Visa Documents for Dependents

F-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the U.S. This includes both on- and off-campus employment. There is no way for an F-2 dependent to obtain work authorization unless he or she changes to a different visa status.

J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for work authorization from USCIS. In order apply, they must submit Form I-765 with the required fee and accompanying documents to USCIS. Note that it may take USCIS up to three months to process the application. Work authorization is only given for up to four years at a time, or until the end date of the J-1 program, whichever is sooner. Thus, J-2s may need to reapply for work authorization if/when the J-1 program is extended in order to be able to continue working. If permission for employment is granted, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued and is valid for any kind of full-time or part-time employment for the period of time stated on the EAD.

F-2 children are permitted to study at the elementary and secondary levels (Kindergarten through 12th grade). However, F-2 dependents are not allowed to study full-time at the post-secondary (college/university) level. They may only take part-time courses. If you have questions about this, please consult with an international student advisor. If an F-2 dependent to study full-time, he or she will need to change status to F-1.

J-2 dependents are eligible to study part-time or full-time. There are no restrictions on study.

If your dependent(s) wish to travel outside the U.S., they will need to have their I-20 or DS-2019 signed for travel by ISSS. Please see Traveling Outside the U.S. for more information about this process.

Immigration regulations do not require F-2 dependents to have health insurance. However, it is strongly recommended that you purchase and maintain adequate health insurance for your dependents given the extremely high cost of health care in the U.S. Please see Health Insurance for more information.

J-2 dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to maintain adequate health insurance coverage throughout their entire period of J-2 status. Failure to do so is a violation of legal status. For more information, please see J-1 Health Insurance Requirement.

No. However, ISSS will process an I-20 or DS-2019 for your fiancé if you have plans to get married during an upcoming trip outside the U.S. Submit the “Add Dependent” request via InterLink. Keep in mind that your dependent will need to be able to show your marriage certificate at his or her visa interview in order to obtain the dependent visa.

Possibly. If the marriage is legally recognized in the “place of celebration” (i.e. the country where the marriage took place), your spouse should be eligible for dependent status. Submit the “Add Dependent” request via InterLink.

No. Only legally-married spouses and unmarried children under age 21 are eligible for dependent status. Others may come to the U.S. in visitor (B-2) status.

Your dependent does not need to enter the U.S. with you. He or she may enter the U.S. separately at a later date.

Yes, if your trip outside the U.S. will be brief. Keep in mind that your dependent’s status is tied to yours, and if you break your status they will lose their status as well. If you will be outside the U.S. for more than 5 months, you will lose your status and your dependents will have to depart the U.S. as well. If you plan to be outside the U.S. for more than one month and your dependents do not plan to travel with you, please contact our office to discuss your situation with an advisor. In addition, keep in mind that your dependents are held to the same grace period that you have following completion of your academic program (60 days for F-1/F-2 and 30 days for J-1/J-2). When you depart the U.S. following completion of your program, your dependent(s) need to leave with you.

If your dependent does not have plans to travel outside the U.S., he or she will need to file an I-539 Change of Status application with USCIS. Please submit the Add Dependent request via InterLink. If you have questions about the Change of Status application, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Your child may only maintain dependent status until he or she turns 21. Prior to turning 21, your dependent must either depart the U.S. or file for a change of status to another visa category.

In order to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) a person must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. and have an offer of employment. Therefore, F-2 dependents are not eligible for an SSN. J-2 dependents are eligible if they have obtained work authorization from USCIS and have secured employment.

Dependents are eligible for a driver license if they meet the requirements set forth by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and pass the necessary tests. A Social Security Number is not required to obtain an Ohio driver license.