UL Lafayette: International Affairs: Living with Dependants

Living with Dependants

In order to bring family members (spouse and/or children) of an F-1 student to the United States, the student is required to provide the legal documents showing the relationship and a financial statement. The Office of International Affairs will issue a SEVIS I-20 with the dependant information. This applies for both the new student and for the student who is already enrolled at University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Bring financial documentation to the OIA and request to see an Office of International Affairs staff member for a dependent SEVIS I-20AB or IAP-66. Financial documentation should demonstrate additional funds of $2,000 for a spouse and $1,000 for each dependent child. Bank statements should show the date the account was opened and that the average balance has been maintained for no less than three months.
If approved, be prepared to present the following: full name of each dependent, accurate birth date, birthplace, and country of citizenship. A marriage certificate translated into English will also be needed.

Tax Identification Number

The dependant of an international student cannot obtain a social security number, but they are eligible to apply for Tax Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service. An international student's children who are born in U.S. are an exception for this, and they are entitled to a social security number.

Driver's License

Dependents can obtain a driver's license without a Social Security Number by obtaining a Tax Identification Number.

Working

Dependants of F-1 students are not allowed to work in United States, regardless of whether it is on campus or off campus.

Health and Accident Insurance

Although current regulations do not require dependents of F-1 students to carry health and accident insurance, it is anticipated that coverage will soon become mandatory. Because of the high cost of health care in the U.S., insurance for dependents is highly recommended. Dependents of J-1 students must have health insurance.

Dependents of F-1 or J-1 students are not eligible for public assistance programs such as medical services or insurance provided to low-income U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Accepting such benefits could result in deportation and forced repayment of fees.

Primary and Secondary School Enrollment

To enroll children in local public schools, submit the following documents when you register your child at the school:

An official birth certificate, a signed hospital certificate, or a passport as valid proof of your child's birth date.

A physical examination for all children beginning school for the first time.

Official copies of the child's school records.

All immunization records with names and dates of vaccines received. Required immunization for all school-aged children are hepatitis-B, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. In addition, a student from outside the United States may be screened for active tuberculosis infection.

Document last revised Thursday, August 9, 2007 11:30 AM