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F-2 Dependent Family Members

If you are or will be in F-1 status, your legal spouse and children under age 21 may be eligible for F-2 status to accompany you or follow you separately to the U.S. To request a Certificate of Eligibility I-20 for the purpose of inviting family in F-2 status, please complete the Dependent Request Form and submit it along with the required attachments to OIS. A new I-20 form will be prepared for each of your family members.  Additional funding of $600 per month per dependent may be required.

Adding a Dependent to your SEVIS record

  1. Gather Documentation of Financial Support in the appropriate amount [$600 per month per dependent/$7200 per year per dependent]
  2. Clear copies of passport id page for each dependent
  3. Submit all to the OIS in a timely manner. To submit your Dependent Request:
    • Go to http://ihopkins.jhu.edu
    • Click “Login” under “Active JHED Login”
    • Login with your JHED ID and password
    • Once logged in, click on “F-1 Student Services” in the menu on the left, then click on “Add Dependent Request (Add Spouse/Children)” eForm. Submit an eForm for each dependent you are requesting F-2 status for
    • You will be required to upload all the documents as one PDF file

Requirements for Maintaining F-2 Status

  • F-2 is a derivative status of F-1, meaning that F-2 status ends when the F-1’s program ends
  • F-2 family members are NOT permitted to work in any capacity.  There is no work authorization permission allowed for F-2 dependent family members.
  • F-2 dependent family members are permitted to study part-time.  F-2 dependent family members may NOT pursue full-time degree studies.  If an F-2 would like to pursue a full-time degree program they must seek to become an F-1 student prior to beginning any degree program.
  • Carry documentation verifying F-2 status
    • Regulations require that F-2 dependents carry their I-94 at all times
      • Review the I-94 record each time the F-2 re-enters the U.S., ensuring it reflects the correct class of admission (“F-2”) and admit-until date (“D/S”). Retrieve the electronic I-94 here, print a copy, and carry it with the F-2’s other immigration documents, as required by immigration law. If the I-94 contains incorrect information, contact OIS for guidance on correcting it
      • Most individuals sponsored through Johns Hopkins for their nonimmigrant visa who have an I-94 should already meet the federal registration requirement and likely do not need to take any further steps. Some Canadian citizens and families with children or dependents who have turned 14 while in the U.S. may need to take action. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website has more information about these requirements
    • The I-20 instructions state that a copy of the I-20 should also be carried at all times
    • It may also be advisable to carry a valid government-issued ID to further establish identity 
  • F-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature on their I-20 if they are travelling abroad and returning in F-2 status. The F-1 can submit a request through iHopkins for a travel signature on behalf of their dependents.
    • If the F-2 is traveling without the F-1: we recommend carrying a copy of F-1’s immigration documents, including a copy of their passport, I-20 and most recent I-94 as evidence of their F-1 status in the U.S. If F-1 is on OPT, we also recommend carrying proof of F-1’s employment (job offer letter, employment letter, etc.) and a copy of the F-1’s Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).