F2 & J2 Spouses/Children
Your spouse (wife or husband) and children (unmarried children under the age of 21), may apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa or change of status to accompany you in the U.S. while you are in F-1 or J-1 status. Your spouse and children may come with you when you first come to the U.S. or they may join you at a later time. To have your dependents join you, an I-20 or DS-2019 form will be issued for each dependent. The following items are required:
- Proof of marriage for a spouse
- Proof of birth date of spouse, if not on marriage certificate
- Proof of birth for a child
- Copy of passport information page for each dependent
- Proof of financial support for yourself, plus an additional $600 per month for your first dependent and $400 per month each for any additional dependents. The financial support evidence should be within the last six months.
A fax of these documents is acceptable for International Student Services. Our fax number is (603)645-9603. Your dependents should bring original documentation with them to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate when applying for the F-2 or J-2 visa.
Health Insurance
Health insurance for F-2 dependents is strongly recommended and mandatory for J-2 dependents. You may purchase an insurance policy in your home country specifically for your dependents or you may elect to purchase one here in the U.S. If you choose to purchase a U.S. policy for your dependents, one recommended company is Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) which provides the international student insurance to SNHU students. There are additional expenses for insurance for your dependents.
Employment
F-2 dependents are not allowed employment under any circumstances. J-2 dependents may seek employment permission. An International Student Advisor will guide you through the process.
Education
F-2 and J-2 children may attend school up to the high school level, but there are strict restrictions on F-2 dependents' school attendance at the university level or for language training. Please be sure to discuss education of your dependents with an International Student Advisor prior to having them start any educational program.