Dependents 

F-1 or J-1 students can add dependents to their I-20/DS-2019 by submitting the “Dependent Information Create” request on the ISSS portal. 

Key Points to Remember

• Proof of Relationship: You need to show proof of your relationship to each dependent:
  
  • For a spouse: marriage certificate.
  • For children: birth certificate.
  • All documents must be translated into English by a certified translator.
• Funding Requirements: You must show funding for all dependents. F-1 students show funding for a full year.  J-1 students show funding for the full duration of their program. Check the ISSS portal for the current amounts needed for a spouse or child.
  
  • Any extra funding on your I-20/DS-2019 can count toward this requirement.
  • If there isn’t enough funding on your I-20/DS-2019, provide a bank statement to cover the difference.
  • If the bank statement is from someone else, include an affidavit of support from that person.
• Multiple Dependents: If you have multiple dependents, include all their information in one request by clicking the plus button at the bottom of the “Dependent Information” questionnaire in the ISSS portal

Once your immigration advisor has reviewed your request and added your dependent to your SEVIS record, you will be issued a new I-20/DS-2019 with additional pages for your dependent (listed as F-2/J-2).

Please note that F-2 and J-2 dependents have limitations in their ability to work or study in the U.S.  Please talk to your immigration advisor about these limitations.