Under U.S. immigration law and realizing that your status is dependent upon and in effect for the duration of your F-1 principal status holder, it is your responsibility to maintain F-2 lawful dependent status. Begin by reading the “Instructions to Students” on page 2 of your Form I-20; then carefully follow them and the information below:
- Have a valid passport at all times (Canadians are exempt).
- Check in with the school listed on your current Form I-20.
- Do not enroll in a full-time course of studies on campus; however, you may enroll in part-time study that is avocational or recreational in nature after receiving authorization from International Services.
- Keep your Form I-20 valid and accurate by following the proper procedures when your F-1 principal:
- applies for an extension of program which must be done prior to its expiration date,
- transfers from one program to another (e.g., ESL to regular school) or from one level to another (e.g., bachelor's to master's) and
- {thickbox linktext:="transfers schools." title:="Transfer of Schools"width:="720"height:="450"}{aclips 5497}{/thickbox}
- Follow the grace period rules governing admittance to the U.S. no more than 30 days before your F-1 spouse’s program start date and those pertaining to your remaining in the U.S. for up to 60 days beyond your F-1 spouse’s program completion date or any authorized practical training.
- Abide by rules requiring disclosure of information and prohibition on criminal activity. {thickbox linktext:="Click here for more" title:="Disclosure of Criminal Activity"width:="420"height:="240"}
- F-2 dependents, like all other non-immigrants, are required to disclose fully and truthfully all information requested by DHS.
- Dependents are also required to obey federal, state and local laws.
- BYU has an obligation to update SEVIS regarding any disciplinary action of a principal status holder or dependent taken by the school as a result of being convicted of a crime.{/thickbox}
- Do not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances. {thickbox linktext:="Click here for more" title:="F-2 Employment Prohibition"width:="420"height:="240"}
Employment is defined as providing any type of work or services on either a part-time or full-time basis in exchange for money, tuition, books, supplies, housing, food, or any other benefit.
As an F-2 dependent you may not engage in employment or business under any circumstances. Failure to observe this requirement will place you out of status. Also, employers may be cited, fined, and/or imprisoned for hiring persons ineligible for employment or maintaining employees who are no longer authorized to be employed.{/thickbox}
- Adhere to any special requirements such as Special Registration Procedures for certain foreign nationals.
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F-2 Rights
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F-2 Responsibilities
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Sevis Records
The following information summarizes some of the most important privileges and rights granted to your F-1 principal visa holder and which also apply to you under regulations of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Immigration Documents
- If you should lose or have them stolen, you have the right to have your Form I-20 and Form I-94 replaced since they are required documents during your stay in the U.S.
- Holidays and Vacations
- You may remain in the U.S. and considered to be in lawful F-2 status during holidays and vacation periods observed by BYU, including summer vacations, provided (1) your spouse is eligible and intends to register for the next school semester (the semester immediately following a summer vacation), and (2) the “completion of studies” date in item #5 of your Form I-20 will not be reached before your spouse resumes study.
- Travel
- Within the United States—You may travel freely within the United States provided you maintain your lawful F-1 status and have your valid passport, Form 1-20, and Form I-94 in your possession.
- Outside the United States—You may leave the United States at any time. You may return later to the U.S. provided you have
- a valid passport containing an valid F-1 visa, and
- a new Form I-20 or a Form I-20 properly endorsed for re-entry.
- Thirty Day Visa Law—If you travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for less than 30 days, you may be eligible to re-enter the U.S. even if the F-1 visa in your passport has expired, provided you have a valid Form I-94, passport and Form I-20. If you apply for a visa during these 30 days and are denied, you may not re-enter the U.S. but must return home and obtain a new visa. The Thirty Day Rule does not apply to you if you are out of status.
- Length of Time You May Remain in the United States
- You may remain until the program end date stipulated in item #5 on your Form I-20. However, upon meeting the eligibility requirements, if your spouse needs additional time to complete their program, they may apply for an extension of program.
- F-2 Benefits and Other Family Members
- Upon qualification for F-2 dependent visa status, your children may join you.
- You may take recreational and vocational/avocational classes but may not work.
- If you desire to attend school full time, you must apply for F-1 status and be admitted to a program of study.
- Other members of your family (father, mother, brothers, sisters, etc.) may be able to visit you (usually on B-2 visitor status).
- Completion of Degree Requirements
- Upon qualification and completion of your spouse's degree requirements, you may do one of the following:
- Change to another status (i.e., B, J, H) or
- Return to your home country during the 60-day grace period unless your spouse is eligible for Optional Practical Training and then you may remain in the country with your spouse.
Additional information is available from International Services. We offer information, advising and assistance on all federal regulations related to maintaining your F-2 dependent status.
