Dependents (Spouse & Family)

Your spouse or unmarried child/children under 21 may accompany you under F-2 or J-2 dependent status while you pursue a program of study, research or teaching in the U.S.; Non-immediate family members must enter in there own non-immigrant status, most commonly as B-2 visitors. They may also come later, entering the US by themselves.

Whether you decide to bring your family members with you at the time of your initial entry or at a later time, you are required to show evidence for each dependent of adequate financial support. J-2 dependents are required by law to purchase and maintain adequate health insurance coverage. The Office of International and Off-Campus programs and the Summer School strongly encourages F-2s and J-2s to obtain health insurance as well.

You must be able to show an additional amount of financial support for each F-1 and J-2 dependent.

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PROCEEDURES FOR F-2/J-2 REQUESTS:


STEP 1: Submit the following documentation to The Office of International and Off-Campus Programs and the Summer School in Green Hall room 111

 

• REQUEST FORM FOR F-1 STATUS or J-2 STATUS

 

• Financial Documentation (e.g. bank statement, proof of grad assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor, etc.)
  

Once the office adds your dependent(s) to your SEVIS record, a new        I-20/DS-2019 is issued to you and each of your accompanying dependent.

STEP 2: Provide your dependent(s) with the following documentation for their visa application

• New F-2(I-20) or J-2(DS-2019) (original)

• Your new I-20/DS-2019 (copy)

• Your passport biographical page (copy)

• Your F-1/J-1 visa stamp (copy)

• Your I-94 card (copy of front and back side)

• Financial documentation (e.g. bank statement; proof of graduate assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor)

• Your letter of invitation.
  
  

STEP 3: Your dependent(s) should contact their local U.S. Embassy/Consular Office at http://usembassy.state.gov/ and follow the procedures for F-2/J-2 visa application.

STEP 4: When your dependent(s) arrives in Ewing, have them check in at The office of International and Off-Campus Programs and the Summer School and provide a copy of each dependent’s immigration documents ( and proof of insurance for J-2 dependents).

 

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PROCEEDURES FOR FAMILY VISITING (B-2 Status):

If you would like to invite your parents or other immediate family members for a short visit in the U.S., your family member(s) should contact their local U.S. Embassy/Consular Office and follow the procedures for B-2 visa application:

 

• U.S. Embassy/Consular Website

 

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F-2/J-2 TRAVEL:

Dependents in F-2/J-2 generally need the same documents to re-enter the U.S. as the primary F-1/J-1 student. Be sure to obtain an endorsement on the dependent I-20 or DS-2019 in order to re-enter the U.S.

Dependents are not required to travel with the primary F-1/J-1 student. In addition, dependents may remain in the U.S. without the primary as long as the F-1/J-1 maintains their current status and will return after a temporary absence (generally 30 days or less) using the same SEVIS ID number.