Washington State University

Office of International Students & Scholars

Spouses and Family


Bringing Dependents as F-2/J-2/H-4

Your spouse or unmarried child(ren) under 21 may accompany you under F-2,  J-2 or H-4 dependent status while you pursue a program of study, research or teaching in the U.S.  (Non-immediate family members must enter in their own non-immigrant status, most commonly as B-2 visitors). They may also come later, entering the US by themselves. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) will assist you with the process and welcomes your family to the WSU community.

Whether you decide to bring your family members with you at the time of your initial entry or at a later time, you are required to show evidence for each dependent of adequate financial support.  J-2 dependents are required by law to purchase and maintain adequate health insurance coverage.  OISS strongly encourages F-2s and H-4s to obtain health insurance as well.

The additional amount of financial support you must show for each F-1 and J-2 dependent is as follows (H-4 Excluded. See H-4 FAQ):


Spouse
$729 per month


One Child
$366 per month


Each Additional Child
$253 per month

Important to Note

If you are an F-1 orJ-1 student or scholar and your Program Sponsor is not WSU, please contact your Program Sponsor directly regarding bringing dependents.

Procedures (J-2/F-2 Requests)

Step 1

Submit the following documents to OISS in Bryan 108:

  1. Completed request forms

  2. Financial Documentation (e.g. bank statement, proof of grad assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor, etc.)
    arrow View estimated expenses

Once OISS adds your dependent(s) to your SEVIS record, a new I-20/DS-2019 is issued to you and each of your accompanying dependent.

Step 2

Provide your dependent(s) with the following documents for visa application.

  1. New F-2/J-2 I-20/DS-2019 (original)
  2. Your new I-20/DS-2019 (copy)
  3. Your passport biographical page (copy)
  4. Your F-1/J-1 visa stamp (copy)
  5. Your I-94 card (copy of front and back side)
  6. Financial documentation (e.g. bank statement; proof of graduate assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor)
  7. Your letter of invitation.
  8. Visa support letter from OISS (optional)

 

Step 3

Your dependent(s) should contact their local U.S. Embassy/Consular Office at http://usembassy.state.gov/  and follow the procedures for F-2/J-2 visa application.

Step 4

When your dependent(s) arrives in Pullman, have them check in at OISS and provide a copy of each dependent’s immigration documents and proof of insurance for J-2 dependents.

Family Visiting in B-2

If you would like to invite your parents or other immediate family members for a short visit in the U.S. OISS can write a support letter for their B-2 visa application. arrow Request a Letter

Your family member(s) should also contact their local U.S. Embassy/Consular Office at http://usembassy.state.gov/  and follow the procedures for B-2 visa application.

Office of International Students and Scholars, PO Box 645110, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-5110, 509-335-4508, Contact Us