Inviting your Spouse and Children to the U.S.

Most non-immigrant visa statuses allow spouses and children under 21 to accompany you to the U.S. or to come and join you here at a later date.

Dependents of F-1 and J-1 visa holders

In order to accompany you to the U.S. or follow-you at a later date, your F-2 or J-2 spouse and / or dependents under 21 must have their own Form I-20 (F-2) or Form DS-2019 issued by the ISSO.

To request immigration forms for your dependents, please complete the family data sheet and bring it to the ISSO.  We will review the request and, if everything is in order, issue the family travel documents within one week of your request.

You will then need to send the forms to your dependents so that they can apply for a U.S. visa stamp (J-2 or F-2) to allow them to enter the U.S.  Please see below for more information about documentation required to obtain visa stamp and enter the U.S. as a dependent.

pdf small icon 17x17Family Data Sheet

Dependents of other non-immigrant visa holders (TN, H-1B, O-1, etc.)

The ISSO does not need to issue special forms for spouses and dependents who will be accompanying you to the U.S. or following you at a later date.  Please see the documents listed below for more information about documentation required to obtain a visa stamp and enter the U.S. as a dependent.

Documents required for dependents of non-immigrant visa holders

We recommend that you send the following information to your dependents prior to their appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

  • Proof of primary visa holder’s status in the U.S.
    • For Dependents of F-1 or J-2 visa holders:  Form DS-2019 or Form I-20 for each dependent (see above for information on how to request this form)
    • For Other visa holders:  Copy of I-94 card and / or I-797 (approval notice) for particular status
  • Proof of relationship (copy of marriage / birth certificate)
  • Proof of your affiliation with UMMS and financial ability to support dependents while in the U.S.
    • Employment verification letter – this can be obtained at the HR front desk if you are on a paid UMMS appointment (Shaw Building).  The ISSO cannot issue this letter for you. 
    • If you are not receiving funding from UMMS, please have your Department Administrator or PI write a letter to verify your affiliation and also provide information about your funding source (funding award letter, bank statement, etc.)
    • Confirmation of student status - this can be obtained from the Registrar's Office


Employment in the U.S.

Dependents in J-2 visa status are allowed to apply for J-2 work authorization once they are inside the U.S.  Dependents in F-2, TD, O-3 and H-4 status are not eligible for this benefit.  Please feel free to make an appointment with an Immigration Specialist in the ISSO for more information.