Each visa class allows international visitors to bring their dependents to the U.S. Eligible dependents are a spouse or children under the age of 21. Below is information you may need during your stay.
Adding Dependents
A separate request must be submitted if dependents need to be added to the primary record of an F-1 or J-1 visitor after they arrive in the U.S.
Student requests in Terra Dotta
Before creating a request, first log into tds.visaservices.duke.edu and then use one of the following links:
- Add Dependent request for F-1 students
- Add Dependent request for J-1 students
- Add Dependent request for all other students
Employee/Visitor requests
Dependent Employment
Certain dependents are allowed to work with approved work authorization. Most dependent categories must apply for work authorization by filing an I-765 application. F-1 dependents are not allowed to apply for work authorization. However, J-1, E-3, and certain H-1B dependents may apply to work in the U.S.
Required Form: I-765
- Form I-765 and Instructions (used by J-2, E3D, and qualified H-4 visa class)
H-4 holders who qualify for work authorization
Extending Stay and Change of Status
As of October 29th, the USCIS will only accept electronic forms of payment. All requests submitted to the USCIS must be submitted in an accepted electronic format. The I-539 is a personal application filed by the dependent, not the employer. For this reason, we are no longer filing I-539 applications along with the I-129.
Required form: I-539