Bringing Dependents
Bringing Dependents to the USA
International students in F1 or J1 status may be eligible to bring their spouse and children to the United States. New students can make a request for an I-20 or DS-2019 for a dependent after the 30th day of the semester start date. Continuing students can make such requests any time during the semester.
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HEALTH AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Although current regulations do not require dependents of F-1 students to carry health and accident insurance, it is anticipated that coverage will soon become mandatory. Because of the high cost of health care in the U.S., insurance for dependents is highly recommended. Dependents of J-1 students must have health insurance.
Dependents of F-1 or J-1 students are not eligible for public assistance programs such as medical services or insurance provided to low-income U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Accepting such benefits could result in deportation and forced repayment of fees.
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PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
To enroll children in local public schools, submit the following documents when you register your child at the school:
- An official birth certificate, a signed hospital certificate, or a passport as valid proof of your child's birthdate. A physical examination for all children beginning school for the first time. Official copies of the child's school records.
- All immunization records with names and dates of vaccines received. Required immunization for all school-aged children are hepatitis-B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. In addition, student from outside the United States may be screened for active tuberculosis infection.
WORK PERMISSION
Dependents on F-2 visas are prohibited from working on or off campus by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) regulations.
Dependents on J-2 visas are eligible to apply for permission to work only if the funds they earn are for the support of themselves and their children. They may not work to support their J-1 spouse. To apply for a work permit, applicants will need the following:
- Copies of I-94 and validated DS-2019 of J-1 visa holder
- Copies of I-94 and validated copy of DS-2019 of J-2 visa holder
- Proof that J-1 visa holder is financially self-sufficient (typically, a letter by the department stating that a student has an assistantship. The amount of support should be mentioned; the tuition waiver can be counted as part of the support.)
- Letter by J-2 visa holder addressed to the USCIS giving reason why work permit is required.
- I-765 (Obtain from the USCIS website at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-765.pdf)
- 2 passport style photos (2”X2”)
- $340.00 (Check/Money Order made out to USCIS)
- Mail documents to:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
California Service Center
P.O. Box 10765
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607
We encourage you to keep copies of everything you send.