Dependent Information

The ISO has gathered a variety of information that may interest you as a dependent in F-2 or J-2 status in the U.S. For more information, please click on the following links to jump directly to the sections that may interest you: Studying in the U.S., Employment, Travel, Health Insurance, English Classes, Rochester International Council Wives Group, Unattended Children, Domestic Violence, and School-Age Children.

Studying in the U.S.

Spouses in F-2 status are not permitted to study full-time or part-time. However, they are permitted to take a class that is recreational in nature. If an F-2 spouse wishes to begin a pogram of study, he or she must apply for a change status to F-1, J-1, or M-1 and must obtain the new status prior to beginning classes. Children in F-2 status may engage in full-time study at the K-12 level.

At this time, there is no restriction on a J-2 spouse's ability to study. However, if you are interested in pursuing a degree program as a J-2, please speak with an advisor in the ISO prior to beginning your studies.

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Employment

Persons in F-2 status cannot work in the United States. However, if they have an opportunity to take a temporary professional job while in the United States, it may be possible to change status to H-1B.

Persons in J-2 status may accept employment in the United States only if USCIS has granted them employment authorization. You can get more information on applying for J-2 work permission here.

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Travel

If you will be traveling outside the U.S., please contact the ISO to make certain that your immigration documents are in order. The Forms I-20 and DS-2019 must be signed on the back at least once a year to allow you to re-enter the United States.

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Health Insurance

While health insurance is mandatory only for those on J-2 visas, the ISO strongly recommends that all dependents have health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the U.S. Although in many countries the government bears the expense of health care for its citizens, individuals and families in the U.S. are responsible for these costs themselves. It is dangerous to be in the U.S. without adequate health insurance. Since a single day of hospitalization and medical treatment can cost thousands of dollars, many hospitals and doctors refuse to treat uninsured patients except in life-threatening emergencies.

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English Classes

There are a variety of english classes available to spouses of students, ranging from weekly conversation classes to intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. Below are some of your options.

• Literacy Volunteers, a non-profit organization in Rochester, conducts free weekly classes on the UR campus during the academic year. For more information on when and where the classes are meeting this semester, please contact the ISO.
• UR's Office of Special Programs & Part-time Studies offers ESL classes during the academic year. For more information, contact them at 275-2344. The Simon School and the Eastman School of Music also offer english classes.
• Monroe County's Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) offers courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). For more information, please call 383-2210.

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Rochester International Council

The Rochester International Council (RIC) provides social interaction for wives of international students through a program called the International Wives Group. Meetings are held twice a month from September to May. Women have the opportunity to share their cultures with others from around the world, learn more about American life and participate in discussions about holidays and popular tourist locations. Demonstrations of crafts and cooking are also provided. Children and other family members are always welcome. Please call RIC at 275-8779 for more information.

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Unattended Children & Childcare

Young children should never be left unsupervised. In fact, it is illegal in the United States to leave small children unattended in a home, hotel or car by themselves. US laws make a parent liable to charges of negligence if an unattended child is injured. If you and your spouse must leave your child, you have to arrange for someone else to care for your children. An adult or responsible child over 12 years old should be supervising the children's activities. The University's Family Care Program can help you locate child care services and assist you in the selection process. For more information, call 273-4644.

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Domestic Violence

Academic and family responsibilities in unfamiliar surroundings far from friends and family often cause strains within the families of foreign students. Sometimes that strain can lead to domestic violence, or spouse abuse. Domestic violence ranges from mildly abusive actions to severely violent, life threatening behavior. In the U.S., spouse/partner/child abuse is considered a felony and may be a deportable offense. To obtain immediate assistance or a referral to a local support agency call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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School-Age Children

In the United States, children between the ages of 5 and 16 are required to attend school. You may enroll your children in public schools free of charge. The school your children will attend is determined by where you live. If you live in the Whipple Park area, you would send your children to a school in the Rush-Henrietta School District. If you live in Goler House or in close proximity, your children would attend a school in the Rochester City School District. To start your children in school you will need their birth certificates, school records or transcripts and documented proof of immunization.

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