• • F-2 dependents are limited to spouses and children; no extended family or servants.
• • F-2 dependents may not lawfully work in the U.S.
• • An F-2’s status is dependent on the F-1. If the F-1 loses status or leaves the U.S. permanently, the F-2 status also ends.
• • F-2 dependents are not eligible for Social Security Numbers (SSNs).
• • F-2 dependents may depart and re-enter the United States with proper documentation.

• • F-2 spouses may study incidental to status, as well as less than full time in a degree seeking program.
• o Cannot do internships, co-ops, OPT
• • U.S. Embassies and Consulates will accept visa applications for same sex spouses just as they do for opposite sex spouses.

• • F-2 children are allowed to attend U.S. public schools (Kindergarten-12th grade) if under the age of 21.
• • F-2 children lose their F-2 status once they marry or reach 21 years of age.
• o If the F-2 child wants to remain in the U.S., he or she should apply for an independent status prior to the end of the F-2 status.

All other family members must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor's visa to gain entry to the U.S. For more information on B-1/B-2 visitor visas for other family members, refer to Family Visitors to the U.S.

• • You will need to upload the following to the Dependent Details Form
• • Add a Dependent Form
• • Passport Identification page
• • Marriage licence for spouse / Birth certificate of child
• • Find these forms on the International Student Forms page

• • Valid passport
• • Photographs
• • F-2 dependent SEVIS Form I-20
• • Visa application fee
• • Visa application forms
• • Supporting documentation, including copies of the F-1 student's immigration documents, proof of student status, and financial documentation.

• • passport information page
• • visa page
• • I-94 record
• • Proof of insurance

The South Dakota Board of Regents requires dependents of international students (F-1 and J-1) to have proof of insurance and must submit this to their university representative by the census date, as outlined in the academic calendar. If the F-1/J-1 student and their dependents are not covered by this date, will be withdrawn from the university.

South Dakota Board of Regents requirements for the F-2/J-2 dependent:

• • Coverage Dates – Valid policy coverage dates for the effective semester(s).
• • Coverage – Coverage valid in South Dakota for outpatient care, hospitalization, emergency room, accidents, medical and surgery needs to be provided.
• • Medical Benefits – Minimum $500,000 USD coverage; medical benefits of at least $100,000 USD per accident or illness.
• • Repatriation of Remains – At least $25,000 USD coverage for repatriation.
• • Medical Evacuation – Expenses associated with the medical evacuation to his or her home country included -- $50,000 USD minimum.
• • Deductible – Not to exceed $500 USD per accident or illness.
• • Medical Coverage – At least 75% coverage for each accident or illness.
• • Reimbursement – Health plan has a non-reimbursement policy. This means that all medical bills must be paid DIRECTLY by the insurance company to the medical provider, including all medical providers in South Dakota.
• • Miscellaneous – The Plan must be in compliance with USCIS Insurance Requirements: 22 CFR 62.14 (link external).

The F-2 spouse and children of an F-1 student may not accept employment in the U.S. However, they may do volunteer work if there is no compensation of any kind and the F-2 dependent is doing a job usually done by volunteers. For more information volunteer work, contact the Ivanhoe International Center.

F-2 spouse and children are not eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

F-2 dependents of F-1 students in the United States may study part time at the postsecondary level in any certified program at an SEVP-certified school, as long as the study does not amount to what regulations define as full time for an F-1 student [defined in 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)].

F-2 dependents may also study full time in avocational or recreational studies, such as hobbies. F-2 minor children must comply with compulsory education requirements in attending kindergarten through 12th grade.

However, an F-2 dependent who wants to enroll full time in a course of postsecondary academic or vocational study must apply for and obtain approval to change nonimmigrant status to F-1/ J-1 before beginning their full-time study.

F-2/J-2 dependents are eligible for a driver’s license and a Social Security number is not required for this application. Follow the instructions on the South Dakota Department of Public Safety website for required documents: https://dps.sd.gov/driver-licensing/required-documents

If you require a letter from the Ivanhoe International Center, please contact: international@sdsmt.edu

F-2 dependents are not required to travel with the primary F-1. However, the F-2 dependent must carry the following documents required for re-entry to the US:

• • Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the US)
• • Valid F-2 visa in passport (except for dependents from Canada)
• • F-2 I-20 with a valid travel signature from Ivanhoe International Center DSO on page 2 or 3
• o Valid for six months if F-1 is maintain status

F-2 dependents are able to remain in the US without the F-1 as long as the F-1 maintains status and will return to the U.S. after a temporary absence using the same SEVIS ID number.

F-2 dependents who need a travel signature on their I-20 should contact the Ivanhoe International Center at least two weeks before travelling. If F-1 student is on OPT and is not in Rapid City, make plans at least a month in advance. This ensures posting the I-20.

Although F-2 dependents are not eligible to work, they must file tax Form 8843 annually. F-1 primary visa holders are eligible to use the GLACIER Tax Prep (GTP) to prepare their U.S. tax return, which will include Form 8843 for dependents.

The immigration status of an F-2 is dependent upon the F-1 student. In order to request an extension of stay, the F-1 student contact the Ivanhoe International Center.

Children who are born in the US are US citizens and may be eligible for Medicaid. However, parents who hold non-immigrant status in the US need to be aware that acceptance public assistance* of federal or state government benefits for maternity expenses or any other government assistance for those statuses will jeopardize their immigration status.

If you have any questions, please come to the Ivanhoe International Center office.

• • Make an appointment with the Ivanhoe International Center Staff
• • Email: international@sdsmt.edu