F-2 Dependents — USC OIS

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F-2 Dependents

Travel and Reentry

F-2 dependents are not required to travel with the primary F-1 visa holder. However, the F-2 dependent must carry the following documents required for reentry to the United States:

Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of reentry to the United States.
Valid F-2 visa in passport (except for dependents from Canada).
F-2 I-20 with a valid travel signature from OIS on page 2 or 3.
1. Valid for one year if the F-1 visa holder is a currently enrolled student.
2. Valid for six months if the F-1 visa holder is currently on approved Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension.
Copies of the following F-1 documents:
1. I-20, passport, F-1 visa and I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
2. If the F-1 visa holder is on approved Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension, also include OPT I-20, EAD, and proof of current employment or offer letter.

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

F-2 dependents who need a travel signature on their I-20 should have their F-1 spouse submit the I-20 Request. The I-20 will be electronically signed and emailed.

Employment and Social Security Number

F-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the United States. They are also not eligible to apply for a Social Security number (SSN).

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Studying in the United States

F-2 spouses are eligible to enroll in part-time studies (degree, avocational or recreational) in the United States. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website.

F-2 minor children are eligible to enroll in full-time studies in elementary or secondary schools. For information about enrolling your child in a public elementary or secondary school, contact the local school district.

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Health Insurance

USC’s requirement for health insurance only applies to students. Dependents of USC students are strongly encouraged to purchase private health insurance while in the United States.

More information on health insurance is available on the USC Student Health website. For further assistance, please contact USC Student Health by calling 213-740-9355 or emailing studenthealth@usc.edu.

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Driver’s License and California State ID

F-2 dependents are eligible to apply for a California driver’s license and state ID, since a Social Security number (SSN) is not required for the application. Please visit our transportation page for more information.

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Extension of Stay

An F-2 dependent’s immigration status and I-20 validity are dependent on the F-1 student’s status. To extend an F-2’s stay, the F-1 student must follow the program extension process.

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Receiving Public Assistance

Children who are born in the United States are considered U.S. citizens. However, parents who hold nonimmigrant visas in the United States should be aware that accepting federal or state government benefits for maternity expenses or any other government assistance will jeopardize their immigration status.

Public assistance includes food stamps, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), the WIC program, Medi-Cal and Medicaid.

Local welfare offices provide U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the names and current addresses of every nonimmigrant who applies for public assistance. Acceptance of such benefits, even for a child who is a U.S. citizen, is a serious violation of your immigration status.