Bringing a Dependent
Dependents are defined as spouses and/or unmarried minor children. Children over the age of 21 are not eligible to enter as the dependent of an international student (F-1 or J-1 student). An international student’s dependents may apply for their F-2 or J2 visas at the same time that the international student applies for an F-1 or J-1 visa, or they may apply for their F-2 or J-2 visas at a later date. If they are granted the visa, they may enter the United States when the international student does, or they may enter the U.S. at a later date.
- If your dependents are abroad and you want them to join you in the US, please complete the Dependent Request on Terra Dotta and submit it with the required documents listed on the form.
- If you are a new student coming to UW-Madison, you can add your dependent in your New F-1 or J-1 Student Request. There is a dependent questionnaire where you can request a document for your dependent.
- If your dependents are already in the U.S. on another type of visa and you wish to change their status to F-2 or J-2, you should meet with an ISS advisor during drop-in advising. In some cases it may not be possible to change status while in the US or there may be deadlines to consider.
- Children born in the United States are US citizens. As such, they are ineligible for F-2 or J-2 status. ISS will not include family members who are US citizens in your documentation.
Note: F-1 and J-1 students only need to update their addresses using their online MyUW Student Center accounts. ISS forwards this information directly to the U.S. Federal government. Because F-2 and J-2 information cannot be updated in this manner, an AR-11 form must be submitted for each dependent family member.
F-2 Dependents
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Health Insurance
The cost of health care is extremely high in the U.S. All students and their dependents must be enrolled in an insurance plan that meets the minimum levels of coverage set by this university for the duration of their time in the U.S.
- F-1 students and their dependents are not required by USCIS to be enrolled in an insurance plan, but the University of Wisconsin requires that the F-1 students and their dependents be ensured.
International students on F-1 visas must be enrolled in SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). Dependent family members must be enrolled as soon as they arrive. For information about the UW-Madison’s health insurance program or obtaining a waiver for an approved health insurance program, contact the SHIP office.
Studying as a Dependent
F-2 dependent spouses may study part-time in the United States, but they may not enroll as full-time students. F-2 dependent children may study at the elementary and secondary levels (kindergarten through 12th grade), and they may also enroll full-time at a college or university until the age of 21. Furthermore, local schools and community colleges offer recreational courses, such as cooking, swimming, driver’s education, car maintenance, dancing, etc. in which F-2 dependents may also enroll.
F-2 dependent spouses who wish to engage in full-time study may apply for a change to F-1 student status. Likewise, F-2 dependent children are advised to apply for a change to F-1 student status prior to their 21 birthday in order to continue their studies at UW-Madison. If you or your dependent(s) wish to apply for a change to F-1 status, please seek guidance from the ISS office.
Working/Volunteering
F-2 Working Policy
U.S. visa regulations do not allow F-2 dependents to work in the United States. There is no exception to this regulation.
F-2 Dependents Volunteering
Both F-2 dependents may participate in volunteer activities.
ISS defines volunteering opportunities as:
- No expectation of compensation
- The volunteer cannot displace a genuine employee
- The services provided by the volunteer should not be the same services for which you were previously paid and/or expect to be hired and paid for in the future
- Services performed for a non-profit organization for public service, religious, or humanitarian objective
Common volunteer places include a literacy network, homeless shelter, food pantry, animal shelter, etc. Badger Volunteers is a campus resource for volunteer and public service activities.
J-2 Dependents
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Health Insurance
The cost of health care is extremely high in the U.S. All students and their dependents must be enrolled in an insurance plan that meets the minimum levels of coverage set by this university for the duration of their time in the U.S.
- J-1 students and their J-2 dependents are required by the Department of State to have adequate health insurance.
International students on J-1 visas must be enrolled in SHIP (Student Health Insurance Plan). Dependent family members must be enrolled as soon as they arrive. For information about the UW-Madison’s health insurance program or obtaining a waiver for an approved health insurance program, contact the SHIP office.
Studying as a Dependent
A J-2 dependent may study full or part time in the United States. Dependent children with J-2 visas may study in an elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through 12th grade) and at the postsecondary level (college or university). If you are a student whose dependent(s) would like to change their status, please seek guidance from the ISS office.
Working/Volunteering
J-2 Working Policy
J-2 dependents are allowed to work in the United States with proper authorization. Follow the instructions on this handout.
J-2 Volunteering Policy
J-2 dependents may participate in volunteer activities.
ISS defines volunteering opportunities as:
- No expectation of compensation
- The volunteer cannot displace a genuine employee
- The services provided by the volunteer should not be the same services for which you were previously paid and/or expect to be hired and paid for in the future
- Services performed for a non-profit organization for public service, religious, or humanitarian objective
Common volunteer places include a literacy network, homeless shelter, food pantry, animal shelter, etc. Badger Volunteers is a campus resource for volunteer and public service activities.
FAQs
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How do I apply for the dependent visa?
After you have applied for the Dependent Request on Terra Dotta, ISS will provide you and your dependent with a new immigration document. Once the dependent I-20 or DS-2019 is received, provide the document to your spouse and/or children. Electronically transmitted I-20s or DS-2019s are valid and can be used if printed for visa interviews and travel. The dependent should make an appointment with the nearest US Consulate to request an F-2 or J-2 visa. Depending on the U.S. Consulate the dependent goes to, they might be required to provide additional documents to the documents listed below. We would recommend confirming the required documents needed with the US Consulate the visa appointment is at.
To begin your application for the dependent visa, you can apply here. Most US Consulates will require the following documents for the dependent visa interview:
- Valid Passport
- F-2 I-20 or J-2 DS-2019
- Proof of relationship to student (for example, marriage certificate translated into English)
- Proof of birth for dependent children (Only needed if applying for an F-2 or J-2 child dependent)
- Proof of funding
What should my dependent(s) know about travel?
The same rules apply to dependent travel as to travel by F-1 or J-1 international students. A current travel endorsement on your dependent’s I-20 or DS-2019 is required for re-entry to the U.S. If you travel outside of the U.S. for more than five months, your dependent(s) may not remain in the U.S. If you travel outside of the U.S. temporarily (less than five months), your dependent(s) may remain in the United States.
If you have applied for a dependent immigration document as an initial attendance(New) student, the dependent, like you, cannot enter the U.S. earlier than 30-days before the start date listed on your I-20 or DS-2019
How can I find child care and family resources?
The Office of Child Care and Family Resources (OCCFR) can share resources to help you find child care and explain how child care works in the U.S. You can also apply to the Child Care Tuition Assistance Program (CCTAP), which offers child care financial assistance to student parents that are within the income limits. OCCFR also has free parenting classes and family events so you can connect with other UW families. Visit their website or contact them to learn about more resources like the KidsKare back-up child care program, the campus Lactation Room Map, the Parent Support newsletter, and more.
How do I enroll my child(ren) in school?
Wisconsin state law requires that all children between the ages of six and 18 attend school. If you live in Madison your child is eligible to enroll in the Madison Metropolitan School District if he/she is five years old on or before September 1 for entrance into kindergarten. Children who are six years old on or before September 1 can begin first grade. Most Madison children begin at the age of 5 in the public school kindergarten.
Public schools are free to all children except for a small fee which parents pay to cover the cost of books and supplies. If you have school-age children, call the Madison Metropolitan School District’s Registration & Enrollment office (608-663-4957) to find out which school they will attend. Then contact that school and make an appointment to register your children. Take their passports, health records, and school records when you register them.
The Madison Metropolitan School District provides bus service for children in elementary school who live more than 1.5 miles from their school. The school district also has arrangements for children with special needs or disabilities.
For more information about the Madison Metropolitan School District, visit their Registration & Enrollment page.
Private schools and parochial schools can be found by visiting the webpage of the Wisconsin Department of Public instruction:
https://apps4.dpi.wi.gov/SchoolDirectory/Search/PrivateSchoolsSearch
When you are leaving Madison permanently, notify the teacher of your expected date of departure. The school will give the children report cards and certificates of attendance.
Most schools have parent teacher organizations (often identified by the acronym PTO or PTA) that make it possible for you to meet your child’s teacher and the parents of classmates. Contact your child’s school for information about meeting times and how to get involved.
You or your spouse may also want to contact your child’s school or teacher and offer to volunteer. This extra help is often highly appreciated.
When does the dependent status end or how do I remove my dependent?
Dependents are eligible to remain in the US as long as the F-1/J-1 student remains in valid status. Once the F-1/J-1 student has completed their program of study, they and their dependents are eligible to stay in the US within their grace period.
The following situations are F-2 or J-2 status ending before the F-1/J-1 student:
- If a spouse dependent obtains a divorce, the F-2 or J-2 is no longer the dependent of the F-1 or J-1. The dependent cannot remain in the US on a dependent visa. They should depart the US or, if eligible, apply for an alternate visa status prior to the finalization of the divorce. In addition to this, the F-1/J-1 student must submit the Dependent Request to remove their dependent from their SEVIS record.
- If the dependent changes to another U.S. visa status, the F-1/J-1 student must submit the Dependent Request to remove their dependent from their SEVIS record.
- If a dependent child marries or reaches the age of 21, they are no longer the dependent of the F-1 or J-1 parent. The child cannot remain in the US on a F-2/J-2 dependent visa. They should depart the US or, if eligible, apply for an alternate visa status in a timely manner. In addition to this, the F-1/J-1 student must submit the Dependent Request to remove their dependent from their SEVIS record.
Can I invite family members other than my spouse and/or unmarried minor children?
Only the spouse (limited to one) and unmarried minor children (under 21 years old) of an F-1 or J1 student are eligible to enter the United States in F2/J2 dependent status.
Frequently, international students wish to invite their parents or other family members to the U.S. to attend graduation or for a visit. If your parent(s) or other family members, including children over the age of 21, wish to enter the U.S. temporarily to visit, they may enter on a B-2 tourist visa. As an F-1 or J-1 student, you should write an invitation letter to your relative or family member to submit with their B-2 visa application. In addition to this, you should provide document(s) for your relative to confirm your academic and immigration status as a student at UW-Madison.