Dependents are the spouses or children of an F-1 or M-1 student enrolled in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Parents are not eligible to enter the country under F-2 or M-2 status.

This means that parents of children enrolled in a kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) program in the United States are not eligible to receive dependent status and enter the country on an F-2 or M-2 visa.

It is important for parents of K-12 children to get involved early and educate themselves about SEVP rules and regulations before their child comes to the United States.

To learn more about dependents and the SEVP rules and regulations that apply to them, visit the Dependents page on Study in the States. K-12 information and resources can be found on the Kindergarten to Grade 12 Students page.