|
If your spouse and/or unmarried minor children (i.e.. children under I 8 years of age) will accompany you to the United States each one of your dependents must obtain a passport from your country and an F-2 J-2 or M-2 visa.
They can either accompany you to the U.S. embassy or consulate when you apply for your own visa or you can submit separate visa applications for them. Be sure that your I-20 A-B. IAP-66 or I-20 M-N form includes information about your dependents and that each dependent has signed all necessary papers, and that you have the necessary photographs and other information.
Evidence of financial support must also be submitted. If your dependents will follow you later you must send them a new I-20 A-B, IAP-66 or 1-20 M-N (issued by the U.S. educational institution that you will attend) to submit along with the F-2. J-2 or M-2 application forms and financial documentation.
Employment
Dependents holding F-2 or M-2 visas cannot accept employment in the United States under any circumstances.
Dependents (who are 1 8-years-old and older) holding~ J-2 visas can accept employment in the United States if they are authorized to do so by the INS. To receive permission to accept employment, the J-2 applicant should write a letter to the INS, stating that the earnings from his or her work will be for the J-2's support only, and not to support the J-1 visa holder.
The J-2's Form 1-94 "Arrival-Departure Record" should also accompany the letter. Do not, however, send anything to the INS without first consulting the Foreign Student Adviser.
Form I-94 "Arrival-Departure Record''
This form will be given to you on the airplane to complete. When you leave the airplane, the U.S. immigration officer will review your documents indicating on the 1-94 the length of time you will be permitted to stay in the United States and the name of the educational, vocational or other non-academic institution that you will attend. The U.S. immigration officer will then attach the I-94 to your passport.
The Form 1-94 contains an 11-digit number, which is used by the INS to monitor your entry and departure from the United States. This is the same number as the one entered on the Form I-20 ID (the student copy portion of the Form I-20 A-B and Form I-20 M-N) or the Form IAP-66.
There may be a date written in the upper right-hand corner of your Form I-94. This is the date by which you must leave the United States that is, the expiration date. If you wish to remain longer you must apply for an Extension of your stay.
If there is no date written in the upper right-hand corner of the Form I-94 you may see the notation "D/S" instead. This stands for "duration of status" and allows you to remain in the United States for the length of time necessary to complete your study program.
If you have an F-1 visa you will be admitted to the United States for the period of time necessary for the completion of your course of study provided you maintain the validity of your passport. You must always keep your passport valid for a period of at least six months into the future. D/S also includes any authorized practical training following completion of studies.
If you wish to remain in the United States for a second program of study (for example, for a master's degree after completing work on a bachelor's degree), you must apply for an extension. Apply at least 60 days before you expect to finish your first course of study.
If you have a J-1 visa, you will be admitted to the United States for the period of time necessary for the completion of your course of study, depending on the specific type of "Exchange Visitor" program in which you are participating. You must maintain your status by carrying out the program described on your Form IAP-66. You must always keep your passport valid for a period of at least six months into the future.
If you have an M-1 visa, you will be admitted to the United States for a specified length of time, but not longer than one year. However, you may be granted extensions of stay to complete your program of study.
You must be engaged in full-time study as described on your Form I-20 M-N. You must always keep your passport valid for a period of at least six months into the future.
You are responsible for knowing the expiration dates on all your documents and must make application yourself for any extension of stay.
The
F-1 (Academic Student) Visa
The
J-1 (Exchange Visitor) Visa
The
M-1 (Vocational School Student) Visa
|
|
