F-2 Dependents
This page is intended to provide information for F-2 dependents regarding benefits, eligibility and other information specific to the F-2 visa status.
For additional information and resources about daily life, including topics such as schools, housing and transportation, please visit International Families.
Eligibility & Regulations
- A spouse and unmarried minor children of an F-1 student can be granted F-2 dependent visa status in order to accompany the primary F-1 student to the United States.
- F-2 dependents may also join their primary F-1 student anytime during the F-1 student's study.
- An eligible dependent must present the F-2 dependent I-20 for visa issuance. This I-20 is issued by the DSO of the school that issued the F-1 student's I-20.
- Each dependent must have their own I-20 with a unique SEVIS ID number.
How to Request the F-2 Dependent I-20
The addition of the F-2 within the F-1 SEVIS record will require updated financial documentation to verify the F-1 student's ability to financially support the dependent(s), as well as a copy of each dependent's passport identity page.
The F-1 student should show access to liquid funds in the amounts below:
- Spouse: $4,500
- Per Child: $2,500
When financial documents and dependent passport is available, follow the steps below:
- Log into iStart
- From the iStart homepage: click on F-1 Student Services and submit the Add Dependent e-form.
- After submission, an ISSS advisor will review your e-form submission within 3-5 business.
- Upon approval, ISSS will email an updated F-1 I-20 and the requested F-2 I-20.
Once the dependent has their F-2 I-20, they can make a visa appointment for F-2 visa issuance. After the F-2 visa is issued and valid, the dependent can travel to the U.S.
Within 30 days after the dependent's arrival, the primary F-1 should arrange health insurance. F-1 students insured by Georgia State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) can apply for dependent insurance coverage at additional cost. If you are covered by a different insurance company, contact your provider to inquire about possible options.
Study in F-2 Visa Status
- F-2 spouses cannot enroll full-time in a degree program; however, study that is avocational or recreational in nature is permitted up to and including a full-time basis.
- F-2 spouses and children can enroll part-time, including part-time enrollment which grants academic credit towards a degree program.
- F-2 children may engage in full-time study at the K-12 (kindergarten - 12th grad of high school) level.
If an F-2 dependent wishes to enroll full-time in a degree seeking program, the F-2 must change their visa status to F-1 prior to full-time enrollment.
Work Authorization for F-2 Dependents
Individuals in F-2 status may not accept employment or engage in business activity under any circumstances.
Contact Us
Location:
Sparks Hall - Room 252
ISSS, Georgia State University
33 Gilmer St. SE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Telephone: 404-413-2070
Fax: 404-413-2072
Email: isss@gsu.edu
Mailing Address (please use our physical address above for express mail):
International Student and Scholar Services
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3987
Atlanta, GA 30302-3987
USA
Georgia State-sponsored H-1B, TN, O-1, J-1 Scholar and Permanent Residency Petitions
Any advising for employment-based visas, green cards or hosting a J-1 Scholar (Research Scholar, Professor, Short-Term Scholar, Student Intern, Specialist) which are sponsored by Georgia State needs to be set up by appointment after the hiring department has requested the immigration process they wish to sponsor.
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Advising Hours (F-1 & J-1 Students) are as follow:
Monday: 1-4 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-noon
Wednesday: 1-4 p.m.
Thursday: No Advising Hours.
Friday: 1-4 p.m.
ISSS is committed to serving you in the safest and most efficient way possible.
QLESS: F-1 and J-1 students wishing to speak with an ISSS advisor at the Atlanta Campus over the phone or in-person must access the QLESS system during advising hours in order to get into our virtual queue. Once in the virtual queue you will receive instructions regarding a call back from one of our available advisors or instructions on when to come into the ISSS lobby to meet an advisor.
If you wish to speak with an ISSS advisor, please click the QLESS link below during advising hours and get into the virtual queue.
Clarkston Campus
Location & Mailing Address:
Building CN 2230 (Student Center)
ISSS, Perimeter College, Clarkston Campus
555 N. Indian Creek Dr.
Clarkson, GA 30021
Telephone: 678-891-3235
Fax: 678-891-3068
Email: issspc@gsu.edu
Dunwoody Campus
Location & Mailing Address:
Building NB
Room 1200
ISSS, Perimeter College, Dunwoody Campus
2101 Womack Rd.
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Telephone: 770-274-5570
Fax: 770-274-5253
Email: issspc@gsu.edu
Office Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday
Walk-in Advising Hours (F-1 & J-1 Students):
9-11:30 a.m., Monday and Wednesday
1:30-4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Occasionally it may be necessary to make emergency cancellations of advising times last minute. We apologize for any inconvenience.