Dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried minor child (under 21 years of age) of an F-1/J-1 student. If the dependent is outside of the U.S. then they must obtain an F2/J2 visa, if they are in the US please view the Change of Status tab. 

Dependents:

  • May enter the U.S. with/after the F-1 student, but never before
  • Cannot be employed
  • Must have proper travel documents each time they travel outside the U.S.
  • Cannot pursue a full course of study
  • Can study part time - ESL or academics
  • Status is dependent on principal status holder

Inviting an F-2 Dependent

F-1 students may invite a spouse or unmarried children to join them in the US by the providing following documents to OIP.

  1. Complete a Dependent Request Form 
  2. Evidence of financial support (bank statement, sponsor letter, etc):
    • $7,000 for spouse
    • $5,000 for each child
  3. Passport copies for each dependent  
  4. Proof of relationship to principal status holder
    • Spouse – copy of marriage certificate (MUST be in English, or certified translation)
    • Child – copy of birth certificate (MUST be in English, or certified translation)

The Office of International Programs will prepare a dependent I-20 marked "for use by dependents". The dependent(s) will then use the I-20 to apply for an F-2 dependent visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

If the F-2 dependent changes his or her status successfully to an F-1, the F-1 principal visa holder must have his/her name and dependent expenses removed from the form I-20.

Contact us:

A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center
International@ltu.edu
248.204.3160

Adam Berry
Adam Berry
Associate Director of International Programs
248.204.3170
aberry@ltu.edu
Sarah Roberts
International Advisor
248.204.2116
sroberts@ltu.edu