Adding or Removing F-2 Dependents

Adding & Removing F-2 Dependent Information

It is not uncommon for F-1 students to choose to bring their families with them while they study in the U.S. or for circumstances to change. A dependent is defined as a legal spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21. Dependents need to apply for the F-2 visa, which enables dependents to stay in the U.S. during the F-1 student’s program. Students planning to bring their dependents to the U.S. can be requested in two ways: as part of the admissions process or once the F-1 student has arrived in the U.S. If you plan to bring your family with you at the beginning of your study, you should submit your dependent documents and funding as part of your admission process.  

Please note an F-2 dependent's immigration status is dependent on the F-1 student’s immigration status. If the F-1 status expires, terminates, or the F-1 leaves the U.S. permanently, the F-2's status also ends. 

Adding an F-2 Dependent

If you plan to bring your dependents to the U.S. after you have already begun your studies, you can request to have your dependent(s) added to your SEVIS record. To apply for an F-2 visa, the dependent(s) must apply with the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Decisions to grant visas are made by the Department of State. The Center of Global Engagement cannot assist dependents with the visa process. To add a dependent, the F-1 visa holder must submit the Add Remove F-2 Dependent Application and the following documents: 

• Complete the Add Remove F-2 Dependent Application
• Dependent(s)’ valid passport(s)
• Bank statement or bank letter showing sufficient funds to meet expenses while in the U.S. for required amounts for dependents of F-1 or J-1 students or scholars studying at Elgin Community College, visit www.elgin.edu/applyinternational. 
• Affidavit of Sponsorship
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificate, must be translated into English if the document is not in English). 
• Schedule an appointment with the Center for Global Engagement to review and submit the documents listed above.   

Removing an F-2 Dependent

A dependent who has either changed their visa type, permanently departed the U.S., the relationship has changed, or has aged out (dependent reaching the age of 21) will need to be removed from the F-1 student's record. To comply with SEVIS reporting requirements, all F-1 visa holders must notify the Center for Global Engagement when their F-2 dependents end their visa F-1 visa holders are required to submit this form prior to their dependent ending Elgin Community College’s sponsorship of the Form I-20. 

Terminating a SEVIS record closes the dependent’s record and can have a direct effect on the dependent’s lawful status in the U.S. If the dependent does not have another lawful status, termination of a SEVIS record can cause the dependent to be out of status or unable to return to the U.S. in the future. If a dependent has not already been approved for a change of status, ECC encourages that F-1 visa holders seek the advice of an immigration attorney before removing and terminating a dependent’s SEVIS record.  

To voluntarily remove a F-2 dependent, the Add/Remove F-2 Dependent Application must be submitted by the F-1 visa holder and signed by both the student and dependent. Exceptions to this policy may be made at the discretion of the PDSO in instances of domestic violence, the dependent has permanently left the U.S., etc.   

Required Documentation to Remove a Dependent

To remove a dependent, the F-1 visa holder must submit the Add/Remove F-2 Dependent Application and the following documents: 

• Complete the Add/Remove F-2 Dependent Application
• Copy of dependent(s)’ I-20
• Proof of permanent departure from the U.S. (I-94 record and verification in writing from dependent of permanent departure), approval of a change of status, or other document indicating an end to the F-1/F-2 relationship (e.g. divorce decree).