Many international students are accompanied by their spouses and children while pursuing academic programs at UWM. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may be eligible for dependent visas.
Dependents of students holding the F-1 visa may apply for the F-2 visa. F-2 dependents have their own I-20 documents and may travel independently of their spouse or parent. F-2 dependent children may study at primary and secondary schools and may study part-time at SEVIS approved post-secondary institutions if they have graduated from secondary school. F-2 dependents are not eligible for employment authorization.
You will need to provide additional proof of funding for each dependent you request to be added to your SEVIS record. We will issue you the F-2 I-20 which they will use to apply for their F-2 visa. Dependent proof of funding amounts are:
- $5,000.00 for your spouse
- $4,000.00 for each child
To submit a request to add F-2 dependents to your SEVIS record, log in to the ISSS Connect portal and find the request in the Documents & Requests section of your portal.
Dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitor students may apply for the J-2 visa. J-2 dependents have their own DS-2019 documents and may travel independently of their spouse or parent. J-2 dependent children may study at primary and secondary schools and at post-secondary institutions if they have graduated from secondary school. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for employment authorization if the earnings from their work will not be used to financially support the J-1.
To submit a request to add J-2 dependents to your SEVIS record, email your program coordinator in ISSS and request the steps to do so.
Dependents who will not reside in Milwaukee long-term with their F-1 or J-1 spouse or parent and who are in the U.S. only for vacation or short social visits may wish to enter the U.S. on the B-2 Visitor visa or using the Visa Waiver Program (where applicable). B-2/Visa Waiver Visitors are not permitted to enroll in a course of study or to engage in employment in the U.S.
F-1 and J-1 visa holders’ household members who are not eligible for dependent status, such as cohabitating partners (both opposite or same-sex), extended family members, and other household members, may be eligible for the B-2 Visitor visa and an increased period of admission to the U.S.