Dependent Information

Definition of a Dependent
Dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried child (under 21 years of age) of the F-1/J-1 student. Other family members, such as parents, brothers, sister, etc. are not eligible. However, they may be eligible for short-term visits as B-2 or WT tourists. Although dependents usually enter as F-2/J-2 dependents, they are not required to do so. They may enter as tourists or in other visa classes for which they qualify. An F-2/J-2 dependent is in status only as long as the F-1/J-1 is in status.

F-2 dependents may:

  • Not enroll in a degree program (children may attend K-12)
  • Not be employed
  • Not remain in the U.S. if the F-1 student is absent from the U.S., unless the temporary absence is less than 5 months
J-2 dependents may:
  • Be admitted as a full-time student
  • Be employed after receiving authorization from USCIS
  • Not remain in the U.S. if the J-1 student is absent from the U.S., unless the temporary absence is less than 5 months

Requesting an I-20/DS-2019 for a Dependent

A current F-1/J-1 student who would like to invite their spouse and/or children to join them at UMD, should submit the following:

  • Submit an Update Request Form that includes dependent information
  • Copy of the dependent's passport
  • Past 2 months bank statements showing a consistent balance of $4,500 for each dependent.
  • Document (current assistantship award letter, personal savings account statement, sponsor's statements, etc.) that proves you have adequate funding for all of your current educational and living expenses.

* IES will not process applications for new international students to add dependents until they have attended the University for two months. The earliest date for students to request F-2/J-2 documents in the Fall is November 1, and for the Spring it is April 1.

Request An Invitation Letter

If your dependent will visit the U.S. on a B (visitor) visa, you may request an invitation letter from IES.

International Spouse Orientation

The Office of International Education Services welcomes spouses to the University of Maryland. View our orientation schedule to learn when the International Spouse Orientation will be held.

Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

If you are not eligible for a Social Security Number (F-2's, J-2's without USCIS work permits, H4 etc.) and you are required to file a tax form or you will be claimed as a dependent on a tax form (citizens of Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea) then you will need to apply for a taxpayer ID number. Contact the IRS concerning filing a form W7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The phone number for the IRS is 1-800-829-1040.

We recommend that you file for taxpayer ID number in person at one of the addresses below:

IRS - Wheaton
11510 Georgia Avenue
Citizens Bank Building
1st Floor
8-4:30 Weekdays

IRS - Landover
8401 Corporate Drive
Room 300
8-4:30 Weekdays

You must take your passport, form I-94 (white card in your passport), and other USCIS documents such as I-20 or DS-2019. It can take several weeks to obtain a number so apply as early as possible.

J-2 Employment

J-2's are allowed to work in the US. Authorization for employment is from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Checklist for J-2 Employment

  • Letter from applicant (expressing the need for employment, amount and source of J-1 funding support, and a statement that the income earned by the J-2 will not be used for the support of J-1).
  • Form I-765 (answer for question number 16 is c5).
  • Photocopy of both sides of J-2's I-94 (white card in passport), a photocopy of J-1's DS-2019.
  • 2 color photographs of J-2 (Note: the photos must meet certain specifications. A list of the specifications is attached to the application that you pick up in IES.) You can obtain photos on-campus at Photographic Services, 5201 Paint Branch Parkway, Suite 1117, 301-405-0577, 2 photos for $10.50
  • Check for $340 made payable to: Department of Homeland Security and mailed to:

I-765 : J-2 Employment form

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

  • The applicant will receive a receipt by mail. If the application is approved, an approval notice and employment authorization document (EAD card) will be mailed directly to the applicant at the address listed on the form I-765. The applicant cannot begin working until the card has been received. It is recommended that applications to extend employment authorization be filed 90 days before the current EAD expires.
  • Income earned by J-2's is subject to Social Security taxes as well as federal, state, and local income tax.  More information on income tax requirements is available at the IES website.  J-2's can apply for a Social Security number AFTER they have received employment authorization.

Note: The regulations state that the employment should be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment authorization will be issued in the form of a photo identification card called an EAD - Employment Authorization Document. The J-2 should show this card to the employer at the time he/she is hired.

For more information, see an advisor in the International Education Services Office (IES), 3116 Mitchell Building. Phone: 301-314-4470, e-mail: iesadv@deans.umd.edu.