Who qualifies as a dependent?
In an immigration context, the following immediate family members can be your dependents:
- Your legally married spouse (1)
- Unmarried children under the age of 21
Immediate family members who are not eligible to be your dependents include:
- Unmarried partners or significant others
- Parents
- Siblings (including legal minors)
- Any other relative
What is a spouse?
For immigration purposes, a spouse is someone who is legally married under the applicable laws of a particular country or U.S. State. If your marriage was recognized in the country or State in which it was performed, your spouse has access to dependent immigration status based on your visa type. Proof of legal marriage will be required in order for the dependent visa to be issued.
There are legally recognized relationships that are not considered equivalent to marriage for the purposes of U.S. immigration law. Some examples include civil unions, registered or civil partnerships, and common-law marriages.
F-2 Dependents
F-2 dependents are not allowed to work while they are in the U.S. However, they may volunteer with non-profit or civic/community organizations, as long as the activities are carried out in a bona fide volunteer position.
F-2 dependent children may enroll full-time in primary and secondary schools (kindergarten through 12th grade). F-2 dependent spouses may not enroll full-time in secondary school. F-2 dependent spouses and children may enroll part-time in English or college-level courses. They may study for a degree or just take classes for fun.
J-2 Dependents
J-2 dependents may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment authorization. J-2 dependents may also volunteer with non-profit or civic/community organizations, as long as the activities are carried out in a bona fide volunteer position.
J-2 dependents may attend school part-time or full-time. This includes education at the primary and secondary levels (kindergarten through 12th grade) for J-2 dependent children and at the college level for all J-2 dependents. J-2 dependents may study for a degree or just take classes for fun.
Adding a dependent to your SEVIS record
If you would like to bring your dependent or dependents with you when you first begin your studies, you may request dependent immigration documents for them at the time of your admission. If you have already arrived in the U.S. and would like your dependents to join you for an extended period, you may submit a request to Add a Dependent in WorldLink. In both cases, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A copy of the passport biographical page for each dependent for whom you would like an I-20 or DS-2019
- A bank statement or other financial documentation showing financial support for the living expenses for each dependent.
Short visits and other family members
If your spouse or minor children will be visiting you in the U.S. while you are studying, but will not stay with you for an extended period, it may be easier for them to travel with a B-2 visa or under the Visa Waiver Program, if available based on their nationality.
Family members who are not eligible for dependent immigration status may come to the U.S. to visit you during your studies. In this case, the family member may apply for a B-2 tourist visa or register with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) if they are citizens of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program. Family members visiting using the B-2 visa or Visa Waiver Program must carefully observe their period of authorized stay and must comply with all requirements for entering the U.S. as a tourist.
Invitation letters
If you would like to invite a friend or family member to visit you in the U.S., you may choose to write an invitation letter.
If you choose to write an invitation letter, please write it in English. Your letter can include the following information:
- The name of the person you are inviting.
- The purpose of their visit. For example you might say they are coming for vacation, to attend your graduation ceremony, or to meet a new baby.
- The dates of the visit. If you are unsure of the exact dates, it is okay to give your best guess.
- What financial support you are offering, if any. For example, if your friend or relative would stay with you and you would cook for them, you could indicate that you would help support their cost of living while they are here.
The letter is not a legal document, so you do not need to use very formal language. Send the letter directly to your friend or family member, not to the consulate. If you are inviting multiple people, each person should have their own invitation letter. Below are some examples of invitation letter templates you can use.
If you would like a document that proves your enrollment status as a PSU student, you can request an Enrollment Verification from the Office of the Registrar.
Graduating students may also request a Letter of Invitation to Spring Commencement through the Office of the Registrar once they have applied to graduate and registered for the commencement ceremony. Completed request forms can be sent to askdars@pdx.edu.