Bringing Family Members to the U.S. A Guide for International Students

Many international students at SF State are accompanied by their families. Often, family members will come to SF State after the student has arrived. United families can help students benefit from their experience at SF. In Addition, families from all around the world contribute significantly to the cultural experiences of the SF State community. However, it is important that all international students who are requesting documents in order to bring family members to SF State understand some of the challenges faced by dependents.

FINANCIAL

It costs money to bring dependents to the U.S. Do you have sufficient funds to support your family members? Before issuing any documents, the OIP will need to see evidence of adequate financial support for family members. Estimates of expenses are available at the OIP. Unfortunately, F-2 visa holders (dependents of F-1 visa holders) are NOT allowed to work in the U.S. under any circumstances.

It is recommended that you complete, for yourself, a one page itemization of expenses for the last nine months (if a student) -- including tuition, books, medical expenses, automobile or transportation expenses, rent, food, utilities, laundry, entertainment, clothes, health insurance coverage, and miscellaneous expenses. You should then project additional expenses for the family and assess whether or not you have the necessary funds to cover these expenses.

If you receive financial support from a sponsor, either in the U.S. or overseas, does the sponsor understand that some of the funds will be used to bring your family to this country? If not, you should clarify this with your sponsor before bringing your dependents to the United States .

 

MEDICAL EXPENSES AND CHILD CARE

Medical care in the U.S. is very expensive. It is extremely important that you purchase adequate health insurance for your entire family. It is also very important to understand the medical coverage that you purchase. For example, does it cover pre-existing conditions? What are the benefits available for pregnancy?

Child care is very expensive in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is estimated that the monthly cost for full time day care can range from $500 - $1,000 , depending on the age of the child (this can mean anything from $10 to $20 per hour). While it is accepted in other countries that the extended family will help with child care, this is often not the case in the U.S. Children age 5 and older must attend school as the law requires. You should make inquiries to local schools concerning registration, the availability of programs in English as a Second Language, starting dates, etc.

 

CULTURAL ADJUSTMENT

Remember that while you are here to be a student, family members often spend a great deal of time alone. Family members will also need attention and you will need to spend time with your family, sometimes when you feel that you should be studying. Family members may also experience loneliness and depression, and the demands that your studies make on you can sometimes lead to conflict and tension.

 

CAMPUS RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

The OIP sponsors many social, cultural, educational and recreational activities that are also available to family members. These activities include a wide variety of workshops and seminars together with dinners, picnics, social gatherings and trips to some of the famous tourist attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area. Further information on these programs and activities can be obtained from the OIP.

Our office can also assist your family members in learning more about community services such as sports and recreation, religious services, art classes, local colleges and universities, child care and nursery schools, and local classes in English as a Second Language.

 

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BRING FAMILY MEMBERS TO THE U.S.

In order to bring your family members to the U.S. , you will need to make an appointment to see an International Student Advisor at OIP and bring the following documents to the appointment:

• Your current I-20
• Your passport and I-94
• Photocopy of your dependent's passport (the bio page only)
• A copy of your marriage certificate (in your native language, with an official English translation
• A copy of birth certificates of any children (in your native language, with an official English translation)
• Evidence from you sponsor of adequate financial support. In addition to showing adequate funding for yourself, you will need to show that your sponsor has an additional amount of $5,000 for your spouse and $5,000 for each child to cover their estimated 9-month living costs.

Upon approval, the International Student Advisor will issue you an I-20 for you and your family member(s). Your family member(s) will then need to take the I-20, marriage certificate, and evidence of financial support to the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate in your home country and apply for F-2 visa(s).