What to Remember as a F-2 Dependent

Important Information about F-2 Status

Dependent children over age 21 are no longer eligible to F-2 status and will need to change to another status such as F-1 (for full time students) if they wish to stay in the U.S.
At the end of the F-1 program, there is a 60-day grace period during which the F-1/F-2 may stay in the U.S. Once the F-1 primary leaves the U.S., the F-2 dependents must leave as well.

Employment

The F-2 spouse and children of an F-1 student may not accept employment in the U.S. However, they may do volunteer work as long as there is no compensation of any kind and the F-2 dependent is doing a job usually done by volunteers. For more information about policies on volunteer work, please read more here.

Study

F-2 dependents of F-1 students in the United States may study part time at the postsecondary level in any certified program at an SEVP-certified school, as long as the study does not amount to what regulations define as full time for an F-1 student [defined in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)].
F-2 dependents may also study full time in avocational or recreational studies, such as hobbies. F-2 minor children must comply with compulsory education requirements in attending kindergarten through 12th grade. If you have questions on how the secondary school system functions in Austin, here is a video (Navigating the Austin School System: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents) that will give you an overview.
However, an F-2 dependent who wants to enroll full time in a course of postsecondary academic or vocational study must apply for and obtain approval to change nonimmigrant status to F-1, J-1, or M-1 before beginning their full-time study.

Flyers

Reminders for F-2 Dependents

F2 Reminders.pdf

Reminders for F-2 Dependents (Spanish/Español)

F2 Reminders Spanish.pdf

<aside> 🚨 Disclaimer: The ISS staff will provide regulatory and practice information related to F and J status, as it stands at the time of the consult. Regulatory content is designed for SEU students, and is not intended to constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for legal counsel.

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