Dependents and Family Visitors

Request for Dependent I-20

F-2 Dependents

• · Children in the K-12 system may attend school.
• · Other F-2 dependents may not attend school, except for avocational or recreational classes.
• · F-2 dependents may not work.
• · When traveling outside the U.S., F-2 dependents need a travel endorsement from OIP.

J-2 Dependents

• May attend school full-time or part-time
  • School attendance is not required
• May apply to USCIS for employment authorization
• J-2 dependent children must change to their own visa status when reaching age 21.
• J-2 dependents must obtain a travel endorsement on their DS-2019's to reenter the U.S. after traveling.
  • If the DS-2019 was issued by another agency, please consult your sponsor.
• J-2 dependents are subject to 212(e), the 2 year home residency requirement if the J-1 is subject to the requirement.
  • If the J-1 obtains a waiver, it also applies to the dependents.
  • If the J-1 leaves the U.S. for a short period, for example 2-3 weeks, the J-2 can remain in the U.S.
  • If the J-1 ends his or her program, he/she is allowed to remain in the U.S. for 30 days, and then must leave. The J-2 must also leave.
  • If the J-1 is not subject to 212(e), the 2 year home residency requirement, it may be possible to change to a differ

Required Documentation

Please refer to the specific U.S. Embassy website that your family will be going to for their interview.

Consular officials from the U.S. Department of State have stated that an invitation letter from the school is not required process a visa application.

Suggested Documentation

The following suggestions are meant as ADVICE only. We cannot guarantee how U.S. consulates will approach each individual situation.

• A letter from you to your invitee, in English, inviting him/her for a visit
• Evidence of your valid student status
• Copies of your transcript and/or current enrollment
• A photocopy of your I-20 or DS-2019, passport, visa and I-94 card
• Evidence of your ability to financially support your visitor during their stay (for example, your assistantship letter or a bank statement). This evidence is needed only if your visitor does not have the funds to support himself or herself during the visit to the U.S.

Suggested Invitation Letter Format

This letter should be sent to the person who will be applying for the visa, and that person should present it to the U.S. consulate along with the application for the tourist (B-2) visa.

Date:

United States Consul General

(Address of Foreign Consulate Where Person Will Apply for the Visa – check online)

Dear Honorable Consul:

My name is (Last Name), (First Name) and I reside at (Your U.S. Address). I am a student at Lincoln University majoring in (Major). I am requesting that a tourist (B-2) visa be issued to (Person you want to invite), in order to allow (her/him) to visit me in the United States. (She/He) is my (Explain your relationship to the person) and will be visiting me from (arrival date) to (departure date). (Explain why you want the person to visit).

During (her/his) stay in the United States, (she/he) will stay with me at my residence at the address stated below. I will be responsible for all of (her/his) room and board expenses while (she/he) is in the United States. Upon the termination of (her/his) visit, (she/he) will return to (Country).

Your kind consideration of this request will be greatly appreciated.

Very truly yours,

(Signature)

Name

Address

Email