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International
Education

Eligibility

The spouse and unmarried children of an F-1 student or J-1 visitor may accompany the student to the United States or join the student at a later date. The dependent family members will be accorded F-2 or J-2 status provided they have established to the satisfaction of the consular officer and the immigration officer at the port of entry that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses, and that they intend to leave the United States "upon the termination of the status of the principal alien." [22 CFR 41.61(b)(3)]

Issuance of Form I-20 for F-2 Dependents or DS-2019 for J-2 Dependents

In order for dependents to apply for J-2 or F-2 visas to join the principal nonimmigrant alien in the United States, they must receive an I-20 for F-2 status or a DS-2019 for J-2 status from the International Student Advisor (ISA). A bank statement demonstrating the current balance as well as the average balance of the account must be submitted to the ISA. The F-1 student or J-1 visitor must furnish a certified bank statement or have a contract that demonstrates sufficient income with the following amounts in order for the ISA to issue an I-20 or DS-2019:

Spouse: $6,000*
Each Child: $3,500*
*Note: These are estimated figures that may change as the cost of living increases. Consult the ISA for current financial information.**

The spouse and dependents are required to have a valid passport and F-2 or J-2 visa for entry to the United States. In order to apply for the visa, the spouse must present the U.S. consular officer with a properly endorsed I-20 or DS-2019 along with other documents, i.e., marriage license and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses in the United States. J-2 visa applicants will also have to provide evidence of health insurance coverage that complies with the Exchange Visitor Health Insurance Regulations. J-1 visitors can contact the ISA for enrollment information and for the verification of health insurance letter to give to the U.S. consulate.

If the visa application is approved, the I-20 or DS-2019 will be returned to the applicant for use when arriving to the United States. At the port of entry, family members who have been granted F-2 or J-2 visa status must present their passports and the I-20 or DS-2019 to the immigration inspector. The inspector will issue an I-94 card showing the date and place of entry, classification, and authorization to stay in the United States for duration of status.

Insurance of Spouse and Dependent Children

Upon arrival of the dependents to the United States, it is required that proof of health insurance for all dependents in the United States be provided to the International Student Advisor. The cost of the group plan contracted by the University cost is $220 per month for a spouse and $85 per month for each child. If the F-1 student or J-1 visa holder does not provide the International Student Advisor with proof of health insurance or fails to renew the health insurance policy for his or her dependents, the F-1 student will not be permitted to register until the insurance has been purchased. If the F-1 student fails to purchase health insurance and subsequently is prohibited from registering, the F-1 student will be in violation of his or her student status. If the J-1 visa holder is not a student and does not provide evidence of insurance coverage, then the J-1 and his/her dependents are out of status, which must be reported to the State Department.

Employment of F-2

Individuals who are in F-2 status may not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstances. Employment is defined as the rendering of services, part time or full time, for financial or other means of compensation.

Employment of J-2

J-2 dependents of legal working age are allowed to work if they have the proper authorization and are not working to support the principal J-1 visa holder. The J-2 visa holder should consult with the ISA in the Office of International Education for current regulations and to complete the necessary documentation. No work can be commenced until the J-2 dependent receives formal employment authorization.

Visits Abroad and Reentry of Dependents, including spouses

F-2 and J-2 visa holders need a valid passport, visa and I-20 or DS-2019 to re-enter the United States after a temporary visit abroad. F-2 dependents are eligible for automatic extension of validity of visas on the same basis as F-1 students.

If it is necessary for the F-1 student or J-1 visitor to travel outside of the United States without his or her dependents, the ISA should be consulted. The dependent's stay in this country is only valid while the F-1 or J-1 visa holder maintains legal status.

Office of International Education | University of Richmond VA 23173 | Phone 804-289-8836 | Fax 804-289-8904