Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Loved Ones
February 13, 2015
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day; a holiday commonly celebrated in the United States where you remind your family and loved ones how much you care for them.
As an F or M student, you may want to bring your dependents to live with you during your studies in the country. Dependents include your spouse and any of your children who are under the age of 21 and unmarried. In most cases, they can join you in the United States while you complete your program of study.
Talk with your designated school official (DSO) about your desire to bring your dependents to the United States. You will need to present their identification to your DSO, who will then give you a Form I-20, “Certificate for Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status,” for each dependent.
As the sponsor of an F or M student, once you have your Form I-20, your dependents must follow the below guidelines before they can enter the United States (either with you or later):
- Apply for a F-2 or M-2 visa from the U.S. Department of State
- Have the proper documentation to enter the United States, such as a valid passport
- Obtain an updated Form I-20 from your DSO
If your dependent decides to study full time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified school as an F-1 or M-1 student, they must first file for a change of status through the Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.” This change of status requirement does not apply to dependents under the age of 21 at a primary or secondary school (kindergarten through grade 12). F-2 children may engage in full time study if the study is in an elementary or secondary school.
Do not forget that you must maintain your own student status in order for your dependent’s status to remain valid. For more information about F-2 or M-2 dependents, visit the Dependents resource page.