Evidence of financial support
Whether you decide to bring your family members with you at the time of your initial entry or at a later time, you are required to show evidence of adequate financial support for each dependent.
The additional amount of financial support you must show for each F-2 dependent is shown at the bottom of the Add Dependent form in myPassport.
How to obtain F-2 visas for family members
Follow these steps to obtain F-2 visas for any dependent family members who will be living with you while you are at WSU.
1
Upload the following documents to myPassport.
- Financial documentation covering the F-1 and all current and requested F-2 dependents (e.g., bank statement, electronic form proof of graduate assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor, etc.)
- Copy of biographical page of passport
International Student and Scholar Services will add your dependent(s) to your SEVIS record. Then we will issue a new I-20 to you and each of your accompanying dependents.
2
Provide your dependents with the following documents for visa application:
- Your dependents’ new F-2 Form I-20 (original)
- Your new I-20 (copy)
- Your passport biographical page (copy)
- Your F-1 visa stamp (copy)
- Your I-94 or copy of front and back side of card
- Your financial documentation for your F-1 status (e.g., bank statement, proof of graduate assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor)
- Your letter of invitation of your dependent
- Financial documentation for all F-2 dependents (e.g., bank statement, letter from sponsor, etc.)
3
Your dependents should contact their local U.S. Embassy/Consular Office and follow the procedures for the F-2 visa application.
4
When your dependents arrive in Pullman, have them check in with WSU International Programs International Student and Scholar Services and provide a copy of each dependent’s immigration documents.
Rights and restrictions while in the United States
While they are in the United States, your dependents will need to abide by certain restrictions regarding employment and academic study.
Employment
F-2 dependents are not allowed to work in the United States under any circumstances.
Social Security
Since only those who are legally allowed to work in the United States are eligible for Social Security benefits, an F-2 dependent may not apply for a Social Security number. However, you may obtain an Individual Tax Identification Number for your F-2 dependents if needed for tax-filing purposes.
Health insurance
International Student and Scholar Services strongly encourages F-2 dependents to obtain health insurance.
Volunteer work
F-2 dependents may volunteer under certain circumstances. The employer must obey labor laws, which often prohibit work done without pay by non-students.
International travel
As long as F-1 students maintain lawful status, their dependents are allowed to travel in and out of country by themselves with proper documentation.
If you are on post-completion Optional Practical Training, your F-2 dependents should carry a copy of your OPT I-20, OPT card, and a letter from your OPT employer in addition to their own immigration documents.