Requesting Dependent Visas

Explore an overview of the process and materials needed to request dependent visas, broken out by categories below.

F-1 or J-1 students dependent visa requests

When requesting dependent documentation, F-1 and J-1 students must provide a copy of the passport ID page for each dependent and proof of financial support of $7000 USD for each dependent (in addition to your other estimated expenses).

If your University funding exceeds your expenses by more than the required dependent amount, you don’t need to show any additional documentation. Otherwise, you must provide an original bank statement or proof of other funding.

You may use the Dependent Information Form (PDF) to request new visa documents for your dependents from ISO. If you’re a new incoming student, you must include this with your New Student Intake Forms. When your request is processed, the ISO will issue documents for you and your dependents at the same time.

If you’re a current student already enrolled and maintaining valid F-1 or J-1 status, adding a new dependent will require an update to your SEVIS record. ISO will then issue a new I-20 or DS-2019 for you, in addition to the appropriate dependent form(s), which are usually available within a week of submitting the request.

J-1 researchers or professors dependent visa requests

In order to bring dependents to the US, the J-1 researcher or professor must show evidence of financial resources sufficient to support their spouse and/or children. As a rule, our minimum funding requirement for each dependent who will accompany the J-1 principal to the US is $500 USD per month. This amount doesn’t include the cost of health insurance and medical evacuation and repatriation of remains insurance, which are required of all J-1 and J-2 visa holders by the US government.

To request dependent documentation, please use the Family Questionnaire (PDF).  When ISO receives all the necessary paperwork, we’ll make a determination whether a DS-2019 is appropriate. If so, we’ll issue a new copy of your DS-2019 for the purpose of dependent visa application and travel to the US.

B-1/B-2 visitors

There are no dependent categories for visitors, so if other family members such as parents, siblings, or extended family want to visit you in the US, they must apply for their own B-1/B-2 visa or waiver. Reference our Inviting Family and Friends page for more guidance.