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 balance certificate, or a University of Pennsylvania letter of funding. Multiple funding sources are permitted. All foreign language documents must be accompanied by an English translation. Funds in investment accounts are not accepted. Please find the full financial document policies here.
- 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.