Family and Dependents

Eligible dependents (spouse and minor children) of F-1 students may obtain the F-2 visa and eligible dependents (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) of J-1 exchange visitors may obtain the J-2 visa.

Bringing a dependent to the U.S.

Dependents may apply for a visa at the same time as the principle visa holder or after the principle visa holder arrives in the U.S. To begin the process, principle students and exchange visitors need to request a dependent Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the International Services Center (ISC) office. Dependents must then apply to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a visa. For instruction on both, please contact ISC.

Benefits and Restrictions of Visa

F-2 Visa Holders:

May travel in and out of the United States as long as the principle visa holder is maintaining immigration status.
May enroll in courses that are vocational or recreational with the approval of the International Services Center. F-2 visa holders cannot enroll in courses that would be applied toward a degree or certificate until a change in status to an F-1 visa is approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and on file with the ISC. Please note that dependent children may participate in full-time elementary or secondary study (kindergarten to twelfth grade).
May not engage in any type of employment.

J-2 Visa Holders:

May travel in and out of the United States as long as the principle visa holder is maintaining immigration status.
May enroll in courses full-time or part-time as a degree seeking or non-degree seeking student. Please note: J-2 dependents who choose to enroll in courses at UCF must purchase health insurance according to State of Florida regulations, which are currently higher than federal requirements. For more information on student health insurance, please refer to the Students section of the website, under Maintaining Visa Status.
May apply for work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as long as employment is not to support the principle J-1 visa holder. Once authorization is obtained, dependents may work full-time or part-time. Please refer to the Employment Guidelines for J-2 Dependents for more information.
Must provide proof of health insurance throughout their stay in the United States.