F-2 Dependents (spouse and/or children)

Defined as a spouse or an unmarried minor child (under 21 years of age) of an F-1 student. F-1 dependents:

• May enter the U.S. with/after the F-1 student, but never before
• Cannot be employed
• Must have Form I-20 each time they travel outside the U.S.
• Cannot be admitted as a full-time degree-seeking student (exception: elementary, middle, or high school students)
• Must leave if the F-1 student has been outside the U.S. for more than 5 months.

Inviting an F-2 Dependent

If you would like your spouse (wife or husband) or unmarried minor child under the age of 21 to join you while you are a student at Minnesota State Mankato, they must apply for an F2/J2 Visa. Children born in the US are not considered dependents in this context and you must be legally married in order for your spouse to be considered dependent.

You will need to upload the following documents to your KIC profile if you are adding dependents to your I-20 so they can apply for F2 Visa’s :

• Evidence of financial support in addition to the student’s expenses must be provided.
• Provide evidence of financial support (bank statement, sponsor letter, etc.)
• $15,000 for first dependent
• $10,000 for each additional dependent
• Passport copy for each dependent

The Kearney Center will prepare an F-2 dependent I-20. The dependent(s) will use the F-2 dependent I-20 to apply for an F-2 dependent visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Check with the Department of State website for more details.