Lana Oconnell
International students who are married and/or have children may be considered dependent students. The definition of a dependent student varies depending on the country and visa status. In the United States, for example, F-1 students and their dependents are not required by USCIS to be enrolled in an insurance plan, but some universities require F-1 students and their dependents to have health insurance. In Canada, spouses and common-law partners of international students can apply for open work permits, while in Australia, dependents are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
Characteristics of an international student being a dependent student
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa status | F-1, J-1, F-2, J-2 |
| Insurance | Must be enrolled in an insurance plan that meets the minimum levels of coverage set by the university |
| Work status | F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the US; J-2 visa holders may apply for work authorization |
| Study status | F-2 visa holders may study part-time; J-2 visa holders may study full-time |
| Dependent status | Spouses and unmarried minor children (under 21 years old) are eligible for dependent visas |
| Tax implications | May be claimed as a dependent on taxes, but there are conditions that must be met |
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What You'll Learn
International students on F-1 visas must have health insurance
International students on F-1 visas are not mandated by the US government to have health insurance. However, they are required to have health insurance by their respective universities or colleges. The cost of healthcare in the US is extremely high, and international students are encouraged to have adequate health insurance.
While the US Department of State does not specify insurance requirements for F-1 visa holders, most universities and colleges mandate that international students obtain a minimum level of medical coverage for their enrollment period. The specific requirements for health insurance coverage for F-1 visa holders vary depending on the university or college. Some institutions implement a mandatory group health insurance plan, automatically enrolling students without the option to choose their coverage. Others offer a mandatory insurance plan but allow students to waive coverage if they can prove they have comparable coverage from another provider. Additionally, some universities may not require health insurance, leaving students to choose their preferred plan.
International students on F-1 visas and their dependents should follow the insurance guidelines set by their schools. For example, the University of Wisconsin requires F-1 students and their dependents to be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). F-2 dependent spouses may study part-time, while F-2 dependent children can study at the elementary and secondary levels.
When selecting a health insurance plan, international students should review the exclusions, ensure the plan is underwritten and administered by a reputable company, and consult a licensed insurance agent. Plans like Student Secure and IMG are designed specifically for international students, offering coverage for mental health, maternity, pre-existing conditions, and medical evacuation.
Overall, while health insurance is not a federal requirement for F-1 visa holders, it is essential for international students to prioritize their health and well-being by obtaining adequate coverage during their studies in the US.
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Dependents of international students must also be insured
The cost of healthcare in the United States is extremely high, and the country's laws require that all individuals pay for their own healthcare. Therefore, it is imperative that international students and their dependents have adequate health insurance. While F-1 students and their dependents are not required by USCIS to be enrolled in an insurance plan, many universities require international students on F-1 visas and their dependents to be enrolled in a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Similarly, J-1 students and their J-2 dependents are required by the Department of State to have adequate health insurance.
Dependents of international students, such as spouses and children, can apply for a dependent visa at the same time as the international student or at a later date. Children born in the U.S. are considered citizens and are not eligible for a dependent visa. Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible for dependent visas, after which they are no longer considered dependents. Dependents may need to provide additional documents when applying for a visa, and they may be required to undergo a visa interview.
When choosing health insurance for dependents, it is important to consider the unique needs of the family. Some plans are designed for short-term coverage outside of the dependent's home country, while others offer annual renewability and worldwide coverage. Major Medical Plans, for example, provide comprehensive coverage and allow families to choose from a range of benefits, including wellness, maternity, pre-existing conditions, dental, and vision care.
It is worth noting that some universities, such as the University of Washington, have health centres that provide treatment for basic medical conditions. However, for more specialized or urgent care, dependents will need to seek treatment elsewhere, and adequate insurance will ensure they can access quality medical care without incurring high costs.
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Spouses and children under 21 can enter the US on F2/J2 visas
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age of F-1 or J-1 students or scholars can enter the US on F2/J2 visas. They may choose to apply for their visas at the same time as the international student or later. If applying together, scheduling the visa interview simultaneously is recommended. However, if applying separately, a separate visa interview needs to be scheduled.
To apply for an F-2 or J-2 visa, the dependent(s) must provide the following:
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover all their expenses while in the US (bank statements, affidavits of support, etc.)
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 – the Dependent Request Form must be submitted with the necessary documents to an immigration coordinator to obtain an I-20 or DS-2019 for a dependent.
- For each dependent: name, gender, birth date, city and country of birth, country of citizenship, and country of residence.
The F-2 dependent visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 to enter the US with an F-1 student visa holder. F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work under any circumstances and may only take courses on a part-time basis. J-2 visa holders may apply for work authorization after arriving in the US, but they must receive USCIS permission to work.
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F-2 spouses can study part-time, but not full-time
International students on F-1 visas can be accompanied by their spouses and unmarried minor children (under 21) to the US on F-2 visas. F-2 visa holders are considered dependents and are not permitted to work by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, they may engage in volunteer work as long as there is no compensation of any kind and the work is typically done by volunteers.
F-2 visa holders are allowed to study part-time in any certified program at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. This change came into effect due to amended US Department of Homeland Security regulations on May 29, 2015. While F-2 visa holders can study part-time, they are not permitted to enrol as full-time students. If an F-2 dependent wishes to enrol full-time, they must apply for and obtain approval to change their nonimmigrant classification to F-1 before beginning their full-time studies.
The eligibility of F-2 visa holders to remain in the US is contingent upon the primary F-1 visa holder maintaining their legal status and extending their program in a timely manner. Once the F-1 student has completed their studies and left the US, the F-2 dependents must also leave. Additionally, F-2 spouses may be required to provide proof of funding to support themselves while in the US and must ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage, as healthcare costs in the US can be extremely high.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding F-2 visas may vary slightly depending on the specific educational institution and US Consulate involved. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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J-2 visa holders may work with proper authorisation
In the context of international students, the term "dependent student" typically refers to spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who accompany or join the student in the host country. In the United States, these dependents of international students are generally eligible for dependent visas, such as the F-2 or J-2 visa.
Regarding the J-2 visa, it is important to note that J-2 visa holders, who are typically spouses or dependents of J-1 exchange visitors, are authorized to work in the United States. However, to do so, they must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This authorization allows J-2 visa holders to work while their spouse or parent, who is the primary J-1 visa holder, participates in their exchange program. It is important to emphasize that the work authorization for J-2 visa holders is dependent on the status of the primary J-1 visa holder, and they can only apply for a work permit after arriving in the United States.
The process of obtaining work authorization for J-2 visa holders involves applying for an EAD card by filing a paper application through mail to the USCIS. J-2 visitors are not eligible for online filing. Additionally, it is crucial to remain in the United States while the application is being processed to avoid it being considered "abandoned." The authorized dates of employment for J-2 visa holders are usually noted on the EAD card and match the dates on Form DS-2019.
When applying for work authorization, J-2 visa holders must provide certain documents, including a completed Form I-765, signed in black ink, and photocopies of the J-1 legal documents (DS-2019, passport, J-1 visa stamp, and electronic I-94 Form). It is recommended to use a courier service such as FedEx or UPS for overnight or courier delivery of the application. Additionally, requesting receipt notification and using "Certified Mail" is suggested when mailing the application through the United States Post Office (USPS).
It is important to note that there are specific restrictions associated with J-2 visa holders' work authorization. The money earned by a J-2 visa holder cannot be used to support the primary J-1 visa holder. Additionally, J-2 visa holders must ensure that their employment authorization will not be used to support the J-1 visa holder, as stated in the financial letter during the application process.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need to provide your dependents with a copy of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and an invitation letter. Your spouse and/or children under the age of 21 are eligible for dependent visas. Dependents may choose to apply for a visa at the same time as you or at a later date. Once the dependent I-20 or DS-2019 is received, provide the document to your dependent, and they should make an appointment with the nearest US Consulate to request an F-2 or J-2 visa.
All students and their dependents must be enrolled in a health insurance plan that meets the minimum levels of coverage set by your university for the duration of their time in the US. You will also need to show additional proof of funding to support your family while they are in the US, and submit the passport ID page of each dependent.
This depends on the type of dependent visa they have. Spouses on F-2 visas may study part-time, but cannot enrol in full-time study or work in the US. Spouses on J-2 visas may study full-time and may apply for work authorisation after arriving in the US. Dependent children on F-2 visas may study at the elementary and secondary levels (kindergarten through 12th grade), and can also enrol full-time at a college or university.
