F-2/J-2 Dependent Eligibility
Visa Guidelines for Spouses and Children
F2/J-2 Dependents
ISSS aims to provide a welcoming environment for your dependents. Visit International Spouses and Partners @ Penn (ISPP) for information on events and resources available to you and your family.
F-2/J-2 Dependent Eligibility and Requirements
The spouse and/or unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of an F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor are eligible for F-2 or J-2 dependent status. A J-1 exchange visitor at Penn can be either a “student” or “scholar.”
Information for F-2 & J-2 Visa Categories
- Parents or other relatives are NOT eligible to be F-2/J-2 dependents.
- Your spouse will need to demonstrate proof of marriage during the visa interview.
- Dependent children must be unmarried and under 21 years of age.
- You must demonstrate the ability to support your dependents by providing proof of additional funding ($6,000 for a spouse and $4,000 for each child) in addition to the funds used to cover your own expenses.
How can my dependent acquire F-2/J-2 status?
The dependent I-20/DS-2019 can be requested from ISSS by the F-1/J-1 status holder through their iPenn account. Each F-2/J-2 dependent must have their own I-20/DS-2019. Once the dependent I-20/DS-2019 are issued, they must choose one of these options to acquire F-2 or J-2 visa status:
- Apply for an F-2/J-2 US Visa at the US Embassy or Consulate overseas (visa exception for Canadian and Bermudan citizens) and gain F-2/J-2 status through entry to the US by presenting their:
- Dependent I-20/DS-2019
- Passport
- F-2/J-2 US Entry Visa (with any supporting documents) at the US Port of Entry
- Apply for a Change of Status within the US (please meet with an ISSS Advisor for further details.)
How to apply for an I-20/DS-2019 for your dependent(s)
F-1 and J-1 Students: In iPenn submit an I-20/DS-2019 Application for Dependents in the Admission section.
J-1 Scholars: In iPenn submit a “J-2 Dependent Request” in the J-1/J-2 Reporting section.
Required Documentation
- A copy of the F-1’s or J-1’s proof of funding, such as a recent official bank statement; a letter (on bank letterhead with the bank officer’s signature, seal, or stamp) confirming your funds; or a University of Pennsylvania letter of funding. Multiple funding sources are permitted. All foreign language documents must be accompanied by an English translation.
- Copies of the passport identification page for each dependent.
- Continuing F-1/J-1 Students and J-1 Scholars only: Copy of your most recent electronic I-94 record .
- Copies of a marriage certificate for spouse and/or birth certificates of children with English translation if necessary.
What Funding Sources are Acceptable?
Acceptable
- Liquid assets (generally checking or savings accounts)
- Scholarships, grants, or fellowships from Penn or a non-Penn source
Non-Acceptable
- Non-liquid assets (stocks or mutual funds)
- Assessments of the value of real estate or other property
- A letter stating the salary of a parent or other sponsor
Health Insurance Requirement for J-1s and their J-2 Dependents
J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors must have health insurance throughout their stay. Failure to comply will result in termination of the Exchange Visitor’s program.
Insurance must meet these criteria:
- Coverage Period: Entire duration of the Exchange Visitor program (from DS-2019 start date to end date).
- Medical Benefits: Minimum of $100,000 per accident or illness.
- Medical Evacuation: Minimum of $50,000 (emergency transportation to home country).
- Repatriation: Minimum of $25,000 (transportation of remains to home country).
- Deductible: Not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
Individuals who are Resident Aliens for tax purposes must comply with the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate.
Travel and Reentry to the US
F-2/J-2 dependents follow similar travel and re-entry procedures as the F-1/J-1 status holder. If traveling separately, they should carry copies of the F-1/J-1’s most recent immigration documents.
Extension of Stay
F-1/J-1 Students: When requesting an extension of your own status you may request an extension of your dependents’ status by submitting a “Student I-20 or DS-2019 Extension Request” in the Student Services section of iPenn.
J-1 Scholars: When requesting an extension of your J-1 status you may request an extension of your dependents’ status by submitting “J-2 Dependent Request” in the J-1/J-2 Reporting section in iPenn.
Studying while in F-2 or J-2 Status
F-2 Dependents:
- May study part-time at a SEVP-Certified School.
- Enrollment must be less than full-time.
- Courses may lead to a degree or certificate.
- No additional immigration document required.
- F-2 children can enroll full-time in elementary or secondary schools (K-12).
J-2 Dependents:
- Can engage in full-time post-secondary study if their primary purpose is to accompany the J-1 status holder.
- J-2 children can enroll full-time in elementary or secondary schools (K-12).
Employment
F-2 Dependents:
- Not eligible to work.
J-2 Dependents
- Eligible to apply for employment authorization from USCIS, provided the employment is not for supporting the J-1.
- Income from employment can be used for recreational and cultural activities, and related travel.
- Must have a social security number for taxpayer identification purposes. Apply for a social security number after receiving the EAD card.
- Subject to social security taxes, federal income taxes, and, where applicable, state and local income taxes.
For more details on applying for permission to work in the US as a J-2 Dependent, please see the USCIS Application Procedures.