Dependents
Information for dependents joining international students and scholars at UND.
If you plan on having your family travel to the United States with you or having them come after you arrive, you will need to request an I-20 (F-1 and M-1 students) or DS-2019 (J-1 students) for your dependents.
Request Dependent Visa
F-2 Dependents
- are the spouse or minor children (under age 21) of the principal F-1 visa holder.
- remain in status only while the F-1 student maintains valid F-1 status.
- may come accompany the F-1 student at the beginning of their program or join them later.
Dependent status for the categories discussed here is indicated by the number 2: F-2.
Adding an F-2 Dependent
Dependents may be added before the F-1 student begins their program or during the student's enrollment.
At the Beginning of the Program
- Complete dependent information on the Certificate of Finances form submitted to the Office of Admissions.
- Provide proof of sufficient additional funds as indicated on the certification of finances forms.
- If possible, provide copies of the information page of the passport for each applicant.
- Dependent I-20 forms will be issued at the same time as the student forms.
After the Student Has Started the Program
An F-1 student may request that a dependent be added to their SEVIS record by completing the F-2 Dependent Request Form.
To submit the request, the F-1 student must answer the required questions and provide:
- A copy of each dependent's passport biographical page
- Additional proof of financial support:
- First dependent: $4,000
- Each additional dependent: $1,500
Applying for an F-2 Visa
The following list is provided as a guide to planning for your appointment. For a complete list of documents, consult the US Embassy webpage of the consulate where you will apply. Typical documentation includes:
- Valid passport
- Original Form I-20 for F-2 Dependent
- Completed Form DS-160
- Proof of sufficient funding to support student and dependents throughout stay
- Proof of relationship to the F-1 student (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Payment of applicable visa fees (F-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee but are responsible for visa application and reciprocity fees as applicable)
- Evidence of intent to depart the United States
- Proof of the F-1 student's legal status in the United States if the student is already in the U.S.
Employment
F-2 dependents may not engage in employment of any kind.
Study
- Minor children are allowed to attend public schools through grade 12.
- Spouses and children who have graduated from high school may only study part time for recreational or avocational purposes (e.g. an ESL class or a craft class).
- F-2 dependents may not pursue specific academic goals (degrees, certificates) in F-2 status. Those wishing to enroll in a degree program should consult an International Student Advisor regarding changing to F-1 status.
Travel Abroad
F-2 dependents may travel with the F-1 student or on their own. To re-enter the United States for the first time or returning after international travel requires additional documentation.
Request a Travel Signature
The primary F-1 visa holder must submit a Travel Signature Request. Once processed, an International Student Advisor will sign the F-1 student’s I-20 and any dependent I-20s associated with the student’s record. Updated I-20s will be sent via email.
Before travel, the F-1 visa holder must sign the bottom of page 1 of each dependent ‘s I-20.
Documents Required for Re-Entry to the US
F-2 dependents should carry the following documents when entering or re-entering the United States:
- Valid Passport (Must be valid for a minimum of 6 months after the date of entry into the US)
- Valid F-2 Visa
- F-2 Form I-20 with a valid travel signature on page 2
- Signature is valid for 12 months if F-1 is currently enrolled at UND
- Signature is valid for 6 months if F-1 is currently on approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension
- Copies of the following F-1 documents:
- I-20, passport, F-1 visa, I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
- If F-1 is on approved post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension, also include OPT I-20, EAD card, and proof of current employment or offer letter
Change of Status
F-2 dependents wishing to change immigration status may:
- Apply for a change of status through USCIS by filing Form I-539; or
- Depart the United States, obtain a new visa abroad, and return in the new status.
Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to discuss their options.
J-2 Dependents
- are the spouse or minor children (under age 21) of the principal J-1 visa holder.
- remain in status only while the J-1 student maintains valid J-1 status.
- may accompany the J-1 student at the beginning of their program or join them later.
Adding a J-2 Dependent
Dependents may be added before the J-1 student begins their program or during the J-1 student's enrollment.
At the Beginning of the Program
- Complete dependent information on the Certificate of Finances form submitted to the Office of Admissions and provide documentation showing sufficient additional funding to support each dependent, as required on the form.
- If possible, provide copies of the information page of the passport for each applicant.
- Dependent DS-2019 (J-2) forms will be issued at the same time as the student forms.
After the Student Has Started the Program
A J-1 student may request that a dependent be added to their SEVIS record by completing the J-2 Dependent Request Form.
To submit the request, the J-1 student must answer the required questions and provide:
- A copy of each dependent's passport biographical page
- Additional proof of financial support:
- First dependent: $4,000
- Each additional dependent: $1,500
An International Student Advisor will issue new DS-2019 forms and a status verification letter regarding your current status.
Applying for a J-2 Visa
The following list is provided as a guide to planning for your appointment. For a complete list of documents, consult the US Embassy webpage of the consulate where you will apply. Typical documentation includes:
- Valid passport
- Original Form DS-2019(J-2) for J-2 Dependent
- Completed Form DS-160
- Proof of sufficient funding to support student and dependents throughout stay
- Proof of relationship to student (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
- Payment of applicable visa fees (J-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, but are responsible for visa application and reciprocity fees as applicable)
- Evidence of intent to depart the United States
- Proof of the J-1 student's valid immigration status, if the student is already in the U.S.
Employment
J-2 dependents may apply for employment authorization through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Contact Compliance Manager, Amy Vein, for more information.
Study
J-2 dependents may enroll in classes or pursue degree programs.
Travel Abroad
J-2 dependents may travel with the J-1 or on their own. To re-enter the United States, J-2 travelers must be prepared to present:
- Valid Passport
- Valid J-2 Visa
- Valid DS-2019 form with a current travel endorsement
- Copies of documents showing J-1's continuing legal status
- Current financial support documents
M-2 Dependents
- are the spouse or minor children (under age 21) of the principal M-1 visa holder.
- may accompany the M-1 student at the beginning of their program or join them later.
- remain in status only while the M-1 student maintains a valid M-1 status.
Status for the categories discussed here is indicated by the number 2: M-2
Adding an M-2 Dependent
Dependents may be added before the M-1 student begins their program or during the M-1 student's enrollment.
At the Beginning of the Program
- Complete dependent information on the Certificate of Finances form submitted to the Office of Admissions and provide documentation showing sufficient additional funding to support each dependent, as required on the form.
- If possible, provide copies of the information page of the passport for each applicant.
- Dependent I-20 (M-2) forms will be issued at the same time as the student forms.
After the Student Has Started the Program
An M-1 student may request that a dependent be added to their SEVIS record by scheduling an appointment with Compliance Manager, Amy Vein, and provide:
- A copy of each dependent's passport biographical page
- Additional proof of financial support:
- First dependent: $4,000
- Each additional dependent: $1,500
- Request a status verification letter from the International Student Advisor.
Applying for an M-2 Visa
The following list is provided as a guide to planning for your appointment. For a complete list of documents, consult the US Embassy webpage of the consulate where you will apply. Typical documentation includes:
- Valid passport
- Original Form I-20(M-2) for M-2 Dependent
- Completed Form DS-160
- Proof of sufficient financial support for the student and dependents for the duration of the stay
- Proof of relationship to the M-1 student (marriage or birth certificate)
- Payment of applicable visa fees (M-2 dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, but are responsible for visa application and reciprocity fees as applicable)
- Evidence of intent to depart the United States
- Proof of the M-1 student's valid immigration status, if the student is already in the U.S.
Employment
M-2 dependents may not engage in employment of any kind.
Study
- Minor children are allowed to attend public schools through grade 12.
- Spouses and children who have graduated from high school may only study part time for recreational or avocational purposes (e.g. an ESL class or a craft class).
- M-2 dependents may not pursue degree or certificate programs. Those wishing to enroll in a degree program should consult Compliance Manager, Amy Vein, regarding changing to M-1 status.
Travel Abroad
M-2 dependents may travel with the M-1 student or on their own. To re-enter the United States, M-2 travelers must present:
- Valid Passport
- Valid M-2 Visa
- Valid I-20 form with a current signature on page 3
- Recommended Documents:
- Copies of documents showing M-1's continuing legal status (I-20, I-94, visa, passport, transcript, etc.)
- Current financial support documents
Resources at UND
F-2, J-2, and M-2 dependents are welcome to participate in many campus and community activities, including:
- Events Calendar
- On campus amenities (Wellness Center, Library, Etc)