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Alert

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned .

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Visas for Spouses and Children

An F-1 or J-1 student may bring his or her spouse and children to the U.S. These family members are admitted as F-2 or J-2 dependents. Jump to information about restrictions for these visa statuses.

51勛圖厙 this classification:

  • Dependent children must be unmarried and under 21 years of age.
  • The Office of International Student and Scholar Services will issue an I-20 or DS-2019 for a fianceé(e), but you will need to demonstrate proof of marriage during the visa interview to obtain F-2 or J-2 status.

How to Apply for Dependent Visa Status

F-1/J-1 students hoping to add a spouse or children as F-2/J-2 dependents must submit the following information through the  when applying for your I-20/DS-2019:

  • Financial documentation, in the form of: (1) a copy of your proof of funding, such as a recent official bank statement; (2) a letter (on bank letterhead with the bank officer’s signature, seal or stamp) confirming your funds; or (3) a 51勛圖厙 letter of funding.
    Multiple funding sources are permitted.
  • Amounts should reflect at least $7,536 per year (or $628 per month) for each dependent (spouse or child).
  • A copy of the dependent's passport identification page

Processing time for completed applications is one week.

F-2 Dependent Visa Restrictions

Study

  • F-2 spouses may study part-time. This means an F-2 spouse can begin a part-time academic program at Northwestern or another area university. 
  • F-2 children may study full-time in K-12 schools (elementary, middle/junior high and high school).

Employment

After a J-1’s status has been changed to “Active” status (post arrival, completing check-in, and being SEVIS validated), J-2 dependents are eligible to request work authorization with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  J-2 dependents may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing the Form I-765 with USCIS.  J-2s may only begin working in the U.S. once they have received their EAD and their EAD start has occurred.  The EAD permits J-2 dependents to work full-time or part-time in the U.S. J-2 dependents can learn more about the process to apply for an EAD here.

J-2 Dependent Visa Restrictions

All J-1 visa regulations which apply to the J-1 Exchange Visitor, also apply to the J-2 dependent including 212 (e) home residency requirements.

Study

  • J-2 dependents are eligible for full or part time study.
  • If a J-2 spouse wishes to enroll in a full-time degree-seeking program at NU or any other post-secondary institution, it may be advantageous to consider a change of visa status to F-1 or J-1 student.

Employment

J-2 dependents are eligible for full or part time employment. J-2 dependents must file form I-765 with USCIS and receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card before beginning employment.

Health Insurance Requirements

The Department of State regulations governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program require that all J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents have health insurance coverage that meets the following requirements.

  • Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
  • Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
  • Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $50,000
  • A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
It is your responsibility to monitor that you and your dependents have such insurance while living with you in the US; failure to comply with this regulation could result in the loss of your J-1 status.