Bringing Dependents as an International Student to the USA
As an international student embarking on a journey to study in the United States, you may be considering bringing your spouse or children along to share in this life-changing experience. At Avance Student, we understand the importance of family support and companionship during your academic pursuit. In this article, we'll explore the process of bringing dependents to the USA and how it works.
Understanding Dependents:
Dependents typically include spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. Bringing dependents to the USA can offer valuable emotional support and enrich your cultural experience as you navigate your academic journey. However, it's essential to understand the regulations and procedures involved in securing dependent visas.
Types of Dependent Visas:
The most common types of dependent visas for international students are the F-2 visa for spouses and children of F-1 visa holders and the J-2 visa for dependents of J-1 exchange visitors. These visas allow dependents to accompany the primary visa holder to the USA and reside with them throughout their authorized stay.
Eligibility and Requirements:
To bring dependents to the USA, you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support them during their stay and that you intend to maintain a bona fide relationship with them. Additionally, you'll need to provide supporting documentation, including marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children, to prove the relationship.
Application Process:
The process of bringing dependents to the USA typically involves the following steps:
Submit Dependent Visa Application: Once you've been admitted to a U.S. institution and obtained your I-20 Form (or DS-2019 if you’re getting a J-1 visa), you can begin the process of applying for dependent visas for your family members. This often involves completing the necessary visa application forms and paying the required fees:
Fill Out the Online DS-160 Form: Access the DS-160 form on your local U.S. embassy’s website. This form is standard for all non-immigrant U.S. visas. Provide all required information and save the confirmation page upon completion.
Pay the Visa Application Fee: The F-2 visa entails a fee of $185 USD, similar to other U.S. visas. This fee is mandatory to proceed with your application. Failure to pay will hinder scheduling an interview with a U.S. embassy. Unlike the F-1 visa applicant who also pays a $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, F-2 applicants are exempt from this additional fee.
Schedule Your Visa Interview: Coordinate your visa interview with the dependants holder if applying together, or schedule separately. It's generally advisable for dependent applicants to apply jointly with the primary visa applicants and conduct interviews simultaneously. Upon scheduling, you'll receive a confirmation letter, which you should save and print for the embassy visit.
Gather Supporting Documents: As part of the application process, you'll need to gather various supporting documents, such as proof of your relationship to the dependents, financial documentation demonstrating your ability to support them, and any additional forms required by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Attend Your Interview: Head to the U.S. embassy or consulate for your interview. A consular officer will conduct the interview, asking questions related to your application. Answer truthfully.. Dependents will be asked about their relationship to the primary visa holder, their intentions for visiting the USA, and other relevant details.
Receive Visa Approval: If the visa interviews are successful and all requirements are met, dependents will receive approval for their visas, allowing them to accompany the primary visa holder to the USA.
Maintaining Dependent Status:
Once in the USA, dependents must adhere to the terms and conditions of their visa status. This may include restrictions on employment and enrollment in academic programs. It's essential to stay informed about any updates or changes to immigration regulations that may affect dependent status. Here are some key points to consider:
Employment Restrictions: Dependents may face limitations or outright prohibitions on their ability to work in the United States. While some visas may allow dependents to obtain employment authorization, others may not. Even if employment is permitted, there could be restrictions on the type of work, the number of hours worked, or the necessity to obtain prior authorization.
Academic Enrollment Restrictions: Dependents, particularly those on certain types of visas, might face restrictions on enrolling in academic programs. While some visas allow dependents to pursue education, others may not permit enrollment or may require additional steps to gain authorization for educational pursuits.
Dependency on Primary Visa Holder: Dependents' ability to stay in the United States is often contingent upon the status of the primary visa holder. If the primary visa holder's status changes or if they encounter any issues with their visa, it can directly impact the dependent's status as well.
Immigration Regulation Changes: Immigration laws and regulations can undergo frequent updates and changes. Dependents must stay informed about any alterations that may affect their status, including new restrictions, eligibility criteria for benefits, or procedures for maintaining legal status.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with visa regulations can have severe consequences, including deportation, denial of future visa applications, and difficulty re-entering the United States. Dependents must understand the importance of adhering to visa requirements and seek appropriate guidance if uncertain about their obligations.
Reliance on Sponsorship: Dependents are often sponsored by the primary visa holder, who is responsible for their well-being during their stay in the United States. This sponsorship entails financial support, housing arrangements, and ensuring that dependents comply with visa regulations. Any changes in the sponsor's circumstances can impact the dependent's ability to maintain their status.
At Avance Student, we're dedicated to supporting international students and their families throughout every step of their academic journey. Whether you're navigating the visa application process or adjusting to life in a new country, our experienced team is here to provide guidance and assistance. Contact us today to learn more about bringing dependents to the USA and how we can help make your educational dreams a reality.