Declaring a Dependent

Students in F1 or J1 visa status can apply to bring a dependent spouse or child under the age of 21 to the U.S. in F2 or J2 status. Please ensure that you have all of your dependent’s required information prior to submitting your application.

F-1 or J-1 Students Declaring Dependents

  • Login to the ISSO Portal
    • F-1 students – Open menu “F-1 Student Services”, click the app “Add F-1 Student Dependent”
    • J-1 students – Open menu “J-1 Student Services”, click the app “Add J-1 Student Dependent”
      • Resuming an incomplete app – Login to the ISSO Portal and resume the in-progress application under the “Requests” heading
  • Upload proof of financial support – The amount of funding you must show varies on the type and number of dependents you are requesting.
    • $6000 for a dependent spouse
    • $3600 for each dependent child
  • Biographical documents – You must upload a copy of the passport biographical page for each dependent requested.
  • Up to 10 business day processing time – An I-20 or DS-2019 will then be created for your dependent(s) after you submit the application. Please allow the ISSO 10 business days to complete your request.