|
|
1. Bringing Dependents to the U.S.
Dependents of students and scholars, who wish to come to the U.S. , must have their own dependent visas obtained at the U.S. consulate abroad. Dependents of F-1 students will be applying for F-2 visas based on the I-20 issued by UNR. If you are a current student, please complete the I-20 Request Form available here and submit the form together with the proof of additional funding to OISS. If you are a prospective student, please indicate that you will be bringing your dependents to UNR, and request the dependent I-20s at the time of admission. Dependents of J-1 exchange visitors will be applying for J-2 visas based on the DS-2019 form issued by UNR. To obtain a DS-2019 form for dependents, please complete a Request for DS-2019 form available here and submit to OISS together with the proof of additional funding. Research scholars and faculty coming to UNR should indicate their intention of bringing the family to their departmental contact who will be completing the request form. Dependents of H-1B specialty occupation worker will be applying for H-4 visas/status . Information about the dependents should be included on the H-1B Employee Forms available here, and submitted to OISS at the time of requesting the H-1B status for the principal. Please follow the instructions listed on the form. If the dependent will be applying for an H-4 visa/status at the later stage, please contact OISS to find out what documents are required. If the dependent is already in the U.S. in a different status and wishes to change to a dependent status (F-2, J-2, H-4), he/she can do so through a change of status procedure without leaving the U.S. and applying for a visa abroad. For more information please contact OISS. Adequate financial resources are required to support the dependents in the U.S. These resources should be over and above the funding required for F-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor and are calculated at $800.00 per month for a spouse and $350.00 per month for each child. Please keep in mind that bringing the dependents involves additional expenses such as: renting a larger apartment, higher food and medical cost, child care and schooling expenses etc. For more information about the visa application process, scheduling visa interviews and contacting the consulate nearest you please go to http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov . Please keep in mind that in order for a spouse to qualify for a dependent visa you must be legally married and provide a proof of your marriage to the consulate.
2. Employment in the U.S. and Social Security Issues
Immigration laws governing the employment benefits for dependents vary from category to category. F-2 and H-4 dependents cannot work in the U.S. unless they change to a different immigration status (i.e. F-1, J-1, H-1B) which has employment provisions. Unfortunately, since they are not eligible for employment, they cannot apply for a social security number either. J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for work authorization to the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Detailed information about the application process is provided on the Work Authorization Procedures for J-2 Dependents. Please keep in mind that the J-2 dependent is able to begin employment only after receiving the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from USCIS. Once you receive the EAD card, you can also apply for a social security number at the local office. To apply for a social security card, please go to the Social Security Office located at 1170 Harvard Way in Reno . Please bring your passport, visa, I-94 card, DS-2019 form and EAD card. If you have obtained J-2 status through the change of status procedures, then you should also bring the I-797 form; the approval notice from USCIS.
3. Studying in the U.S.
J-2 and H-4 dependents have an option to take degree or non-degree classes on a full-time or part-time basis without having to change to student status (F-1 or J-1). However, if you would like to change to student status, please discuss this issue with an OISS advisor. F-2 dependents are allowed to take occasional classes for recreation or self-development. If the goal, however, is to obtain a degree or a certificate, you are strongly advised to apply for a change of status to F-1/J-1 and wait for the approval of your application prior to starting the program! Please talk to the OISS advisor about your plans to ensure that you understand everything. If you would like to improve your English, please keep in mind that the Intensive English Language Center (IELC) at UNR offers a variety of English classes. Family members of UNR students and scholars receive a 25% tuition discount. There are also ESL classes offered at a local community college (TMCC). For more information please contact IELC or TMCC directly.
4. Travel Outside the U.S.
Dependents of students and scholars can travel outside the U.S. independent of the principal visa holder. To travel dependents need a valid DS-2019 or I-20 that has been signed within the last 6 months by an OISS advisor, a valid passport and a J-2 or F-2 visa stamp. A valid visa stamp is not required if you are going to Canada , Mexico or contiguous territories for a period of less than 30 days. This is known as “automatic visa revalidation provision” . If you use this procedure, please do not surrender your I-94 card upon departure. Caution: citizens of Iraq , Iran , Syria , Libya , Sudan , North Korea and Cuba are not eligible to use this provision. In addition, “automatic visa revalidation” does not apply if you travel for example from Canada to Germany and return to the U.S. via Canada . H-4 dependents do not need a travel signature from OISS. They should carry a valid passport with H-4 visa stamp, a copy of I-797 H-1B approval notice and a recent pay-stub or current letter of employment for H-1B principal holder. The “automatic visa revalidation provision” mentioned above applies to H-4 dependents traveling to Canada and Mexico only. H-4 dependents cannot use this provision to travel to contiguous territories. Please keep in mind that you may need an entry visa to travel to other countries. Contact the consulate of the country you are planning to go to for the required entry documents. Important : the dependent status relies on the principal visa holder to maintain his/her status and to be present in the U.S. If the principal (F-1, J-1, H-1B) decides to leave the U.S. for an extended period of time, the dependents should leave the country as well.
5. Health Insurance and Health Care
Health care costs in the United States are extremely high and for that reason alone it is highly recommended that all dependents are covered by medical insurance. All J-2 dependents MUST, as the condition of their lawful status, have a health insurance which covers at a minimum:
For F-2 and H-4 dependents the health insurance is optional, but highly recommended! It is very dangerous not to seek medical care because you are lacking the insurance coverage . The cost of insurance may seem high, but it is much more costly to pay medical bills if you don't have any insurance. UNR students and scholars may purchase the university student health insurance for their dependents or look for an alternative coverage provided by an outside insurance company. For more information please contact OISS. Keep in mind though, that most insurance companies do not pay for pre-existing conditions. This refers to a medical condition that began prior to the start of insurance. Many chronic illnesses such as diabetes or asthma may be considered as pre-existing conditions by insurance companies . Please remember the dependents can also use the Student Health Center located in the Redfield Building on the north end of campus (building 59 on the campus map). It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. After hours or on weekends call 784-6598 and the doctor will get in touch with you shortly. The center has doctors and nurses on staff and provides a wide range of medical services. The center charges a very reasonable fee which can then be claimed through your own insurance. If you have purchased the student health insurance, the Student Health Center provides services free of charge. If you have general questions related to medical services, providers or medical bills that you have received, please contact the Student Health Center for assistance. The Student Health Center does not serve minors, however, the children can go the Family Medical Center located next to the Student Health Center . Be aware that while the state of Nevada provides certain special health programs for its uninsured low income residents, non-immigrants are discouraged from participating in such programs. Taking advantage of federal and state sponsored benefits while in a non-immigrant status, may have a long-term effect on your ability to become a permanent resident at some point of time in a future, and may also have a negative impact on your current stay in the U.S. For more information on this topic please go to point 7 and read the “Public Charge” paragraph. Keep in mind that children born in the U.S. are American citizens and as such are entitled to various health, childcare and other welfare benefits.
6. Mental Health Services
Crisis Call Center – Provides support services in situations of crisis: sexual assault, suicide, substance abuse, physical and mental abuse. It offers 24 hour hotline, support groups, resource directory. Contact info: ph. 784-8090 or 1-800-992-5757 Downing Clinic – Training center that offers counseling services to individuals, groups, couples and families from the university and community. Contact info: ph: 784-1596; College of Education Bldg. , room 3044 Psychological Service Center (PSC) – Training center that provides individual, group, couple and family psychotherapy and assessment. Contact info: ph: 784-6668; Mack Social Science Bldg., room 328
7. Child Care and Schooling
Participation in child care and schools is based on the age of children. Infant and toddler care covers children ages 0 to 3; Pre-school is for children ages 3 to 4; Kindergarten is for children ages 5 to 6 (the child must turn 5 by September 30). Elementary Schools offer programs from Kindergarten to Grade 6 (the child must turn 6 by September 30 to begin 1 st grade); Middle Schools cover Grades 7 & 8 (ages12-13); High Schools offer programs for Grades 9 – 12 (ages 14-18). Child Care Facilities on Campus:
Schools: The Washoe County School District website at http://wcsd.aztech-cs.com provides a wealth of information about the school system in Reno and the surrounding area. If you need to find out which school your child should be attending, please go to http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/schools/zoning_search/ or call 775-348-0200. Any student new to the district must present a birth certificate or passport and an immunization record from your health care provider. A utility bill may be necessary for proof of residency, and the student's Social Security number will be asked for but is NOT required in order for your child to be registered. For more information regarding registration please go to http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/schools/register/. The district offers special ESL programs for non-English speaking students. Each new student with a limited English proficiency is given a language assessment test and placed in classes based on the results of this test. For more information please contact the school in your area.
8. GSA Programs
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) offers a variety of programs which can benefit the family of graduate students. While their primary focus is on providing services to graduate students, international scholars are invited to participate in the Household Items Program. GSA programs of interest to families are following:
GSA also collects and distributes information about family housing available near UNR. The university has limited family housing and there is generally a waiting list for this housing. GSA is always willing to help and advise on housing issues. For more information about a specific program please check GSA website at http://www.unr.edu/gsa/services.asp, or contact them directly at 775.784.4629; e-mail
9. Other Issues
Driver's License - Dependents of international students and scholars are eligible to obtain Nevada Driver's License or State ID. To apply, please go to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) located at 305 Galletti Drive in Reno. Bring your passport, I-94 card, I-20 (F-2) or DS-2019 (J-2) or I-797 notice (H-4). The social security number is not required to obtain a driver's license or state ID. Lombardi Recreation Center – Family members of UNR students, faculty and staff can use the Lombardi Recreation Center with a purchase of the family pass or one day guest pass. Family passes may only be purchased by current Lombardi members, so the student/scholar must become a Lombardi member first. The center has a fitness center, swimming pool, climbing wall and basketball/volleyball/racquetball courts. It offers a large variety of recreational rental equipment, drop-in classes and outdoor trips. The center is located at a north end of campus; please stop by and check the facility and pick up their program guide! Contact info: www.unr.edu/campusrec; ph: 784-1225. Northern Nevada International Center – The Language Bank provides translation and interpretation services to the Northern Nevada community. Some services are fee based. Contact info: www.nnic.org; ph: 784-7515; 821 N. Center Street , Reno , NV 89501 Computer Labs – Access to computers at UNR is limited to students, employees or UNR affiliates. Unfortunately, the dependents of students and scholars do not have an independent access to UNR network unless they become students or employees. Legal Help – Washoe Legal Services provides free legal services in the area of family law, domestic violence, landlord – tenant disputes. It does NOT cover the immigration law. Contact info: address - 650 Tahoe Street , Reno , NV 89509 ; ph: 775-329-2727; web -www.washoelegalservices.org; e-mail:info@washoelegalservices.org Public Charge – the concept of “public charge” means an alien who has become or is likely to become “primarily dependent on the government for subsistence, as demonstrated by either the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance, or institutionalization for long-term care at government expense”. An alien who is likely at any time to become a public charge is inadmissible and ineligible to become a legal permanent resident of the U.S. An alien is also deportable if he or she became a public charge within five years from the date of entry. Public benefits which may render an alien a public charge are following:
Public benefits which are NOT subject to public charge are following:
As a general rule, the receipt of benefits by a member of a family i.e. U.S. born child does not count towards the determination of public charge for the family. USCIS website offers a number of handouts on this topic in various languages. Please go to http://uscis.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/presinfo.htm and select a link to Public Charge for the full index.
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
Maintain by: oiss@unr.edu |
