Requesting F-2 Dependent Forms I-20
You can request F-2 dependent sponsorship during the processing of your initial F-1 sponsorship application or at a later time during your active F-1 program at MUSC.
You must be able to prove that you can financially support your F-2 dependents. The minimum financial support required for dependents is an additional $8,400 per year ($700 per month) for an F-2 spouse and $5100 per year ($425 per month) for each F-2 child. You must provide official documentation that proves that you can meet these minimum financial requirements for at least one full year.
Request Dependent Forms I-20 with Initial MUSC F-1 Sponsorship Application
You will have the opportunity to request F-2 dependent sponsorship during the processing of your initial MUSC F-1 sponsorship application in the Terra Dotta system. Instructions for requesting F-2 sponsorship are provided within the system.
You will be required to upload the following documents related to your dependents with this request:
- Copy of biographic page of dependent’s passport
- Copy of marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificate (for child), and certified English translation
In addition, you must include the dependent expenses on the F-1 Declaration of Finances form and provide supporting financial documentation. Please read the instructions on the Declaration of Finances form regarding acceptable financial documents. You should contact the college administrator to ensure that they includes the dependent expenses in the estimated expenses section of the F-1 Declaration of Finances form. The minimum financial support required for dependents is an additional $8,400 per year for an F-2 spouse and $5,100 per year for each F-2 child.
Request Dependent Forms I-20 During Active F-1 Program
If you are currently an active F-1 student at MUSC and you want your spouse or children to join you in the United States as F-2 dependents, you must submit the Dependent Request through your Terra Dotta portal.
You will be required to upload the following documents with this request:
- Copy of biographic page of dependent’s passport
- Copy of marriage certificate (for spouse) and birth certificate (for child), and certified English translation
- Bank statement showing proof of financial support for dependents for one year ($8,400 for spouse, $5,100 for each child)
The bank statement must be an official bank statement stamped, signed or sealed by a bank official. Copies of online banking activity cannot be accepted.
If your request is approved, you will be notified once the dependent Forms I-20 forms have been created. The F-2 Forms I-20 will be sent to you. You will then send the forms to your dependents in your home country.
F-2 Visa Application
Each F-2 dependent must apply separately for an F-2 visa. Dependents will not be able to apply for an F-2 visa at the U.S. embassy/consulate until they have received the F-2 Form I-20 from MUSC.
Dependents must complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, pay the visa application fee, and make a visa interview appointment. However, F-2 dependents do not need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. Dependents should refer to the website of their specific U.S. embassy/consulate for further instructions on the documents and information required for an F-2 visa application.
The U.S. Department of State prefers that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time. However, if the F-2 spouse and children must apply separately, the dependents should bring a copy of the F-1 student’s passport and visa along with the other required documents.
