Your spouse and child(ren) under the age of 21 are eligible to hold F-2 or J-2 dependent status. In order for them to obtain F-2 or J-2 status, they need their own I-20 or DS-2019. The application is available here, select "Update I-20 or DS-2019".

The I-20 or DS-2019 for your dependent will be issued in five to seven business days. If your spouse or child is still in your home country, you should e-mail the documents to them. The document(s) must be printed out before going to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to apply for a dependent entry visa.  

They will need:

1. The I-20 or DS-2019
2. Proof of their relationship to you (marriage or birth certificate)
3. Passport
4. Proof of financial support (bank statement, assistantship letters, etc.).
5. The financial support must demonstrate the ability to continue to support yourself while adding dependent(s). To estimate the fees for your program, see https://isss.temple.edu/students/future-students/tuition-and-fees. In addition to the estimate fees you obtain from that site, you will add:

• $4,000 per year for spouses
• $2,500 per year for children

Note that a SEVIS fee is not required for F-2 or J-2 dependents.

If your spouse/child is in the United States in a different status, they will have to file an application for a change of status. They will still need an I-20 or DS-2019 that you will apply for using the steps above. Information on how to apply for a change of status is available here.