The spouses and unmarried minor children (20 years old or younger) of F-1 or J-1 students are dependents (F-2 or J-2). Dependents may enter the U.S. with or after the F-1\/J-1 student, but never before; dependents may not remain in the U.S. after the F-1\/J-1 student has left unless the absence is temporary (five months or less) and the student is in good standing. Dependents must have an I-20\/DS-2019 every time they re-enter the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dependents maintain their legal status in the U.S. by the F-1\/J-1 student maintaining their status. Therefore, if the F-1\/J-1 student is out of status, so is the dependent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
F-2 dependents<\/b> may not be employed or admitted as full-time, degree-seeking students, but may engage in part-time incidental coursework. J-2 dependents<\/b> may be employed with the appropriate work authorization and may be admitted as full-time, degree-seeking students.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAdding a dependent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To add a dependent, submit a request in myStatus<\/a> for a new I-20\/DS-2019 to add a dependent. You will need to provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will take approximately five business days to prepare the new I-20\/DS-2019. After receiving the new document, your dependent(s) should check with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate<\/a> to find out how to apply for a dependent visa. You may be required to show marriage or birth certificates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your dependent arrives in the U.S., bring copies of their passport information page, visa page and I-94 record to International Student and Scholar Services to be kept in your file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your child is born in the United States, you must decide whether they will have a U.S. passport or a passport from your home country. You should research your citizenship options and make a decision based on your individual circumstances. If the child will have a U.S. passport, you should apply at the nearest passport acceptance facility. If the child will have a passport from your home country, contact the nearest embassy or consulate for instructions on how to apply. With a non-U.S. passport, the child will also need dependent documentation \u2014 follow the instructions above for adding a dependent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dependents in F-2 status<\/b> are not permitted to work in the United States. F-2 dependents should not engage in volunteer activities unless all individuals who take part in the activities are volunteers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dependents in J-2 status<\/b> are allowed to work after they have received work authorization<\/a> from USCIS. J-2 dependents must apply for this permission, which usually takes three to five months. There are no limits to the locations or types of work for J-2 dependents who have received appropriate authorization. J-2 dependents should not engage in volunteer activities in lab work, tutoring or other positions in which a person might receive cash for the work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n F-2 dependents<\/b> are not required to have health insurance; however, International Student and Scholar Services strongly recommends that they have insurance. F-2 dependents might be asked at the visa appointment how they plan to support themselves in case of a medical emergency. J-2 dependents<\/b> are required to have insurance under U.S. immigration regulations. Neither F-2 nor J-2 dependents are automatically enrolled in Mizzou’s student health insurance<\/a>. The F-1\/J-1 student must fill out an application form and pay separately for dependent coverage. For more information about insurance, contact the MU Student Health Center<\/a> by calling 573-882-7481 or emailing umhsin@health.missouri.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Dependents born in the U.S.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Employment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Health insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Change in status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n