About
Whether you need to add family members to your immigration record or remove them, this page provides step-by-step guidance for F-1 and J-1 students, scholars, and interns. You’ll find instructions for inviting dependents to the U.S., updating your records, and understanding requirements for education, employment, and travel.
This page also includes resources for F-2 and J-2 dependents upon their arrival.
How to Add or Remove Dependents
Adding Dependents
If you are an F-1 or J-1 and would like to invite your spouse or children to the U.S., then you can submit a request to ISSS to add your family as dependents.
F-1/J-1 Students should submit an Add F-2/J-2 Dependent request in the ISSS Portal.
J-1 Scholars/Interns email the following documents to the Scholars & Interns (J-1) team.
After your dependents arrive in the U.S., you will need to submit a check-in to ISSS:
F-1/J-1 Students should submit an Add F-2/J-2 Dependent request in the ISSS Portal.
J-1 Scholars/Interns email the following documents to the Scholars & Interns (J-1) team.
- Your Passport, visa, I-94 and most recent DS-2019.
- Each dependent's passport.
- Dependent Request Form.
- Proof of financial support for your current J-1 program + all dependents.
- See our Costs and Financial Documents page for more information.
- Proof of Health Insurance Coverage for all J-2 dependents.
- If you are enrolling your dependents in TAMU's healthcare plan, please send up a screenshot of your coverage enrollment screen from Workday.
After your dependents arrive in the U.S., you will need to submit a check-in to ISSS:
- F-1/J-1 Students need to submit an F-2/J-2 Dependent Check-In in the ISSS Portal.
- J-1 Scholars/Interns will need to email their dependent's J-2 visa, I-94, and signed J-2 DS-2019 to the Scholars & Interns (J-1) team.
Removing Dependents
Dependents can be removed from your record for the following reasons:
- Departure from the U.S. with no intent to return as F-2/J-2
- Divorce
- Children aging out at 21
- Violating F-2 or J-2 status
- Change of immigration status
- Death
If you need to remove a dependent from your record, students should submit a General ISSS Request in the ISSS Portal and scholars/interns should email the Scholars & Interns (J-1) team with the reason why the dependent needs to be removed. ISSS will follow up with you if additional documentation is necessary.
Requirements and Restrictions
Education
- F-2 and J-2 children are allowed to study full-time at elementary or secondary schools
- Kindergarten through 12th grade
- J-2s do not have any restrictions on studying
- F-2s cannot study full-time after 12th grade, unless the study is avocational or recreational
- This means any full-time study cannot count towards a degree requirement, satisfy a prerequisite, or lead to a specific educational or professional objective
- Part-time study is allowed for degree granting programs
Employment
- F-2s cannot work under any circumstances
- J-2s can apply for J-2 work authorization from USCIS if they want employment
- See the J-2 Work Authorization section below for more information
Travel
F-2 and J-2 dependents will need a travel signature if they intend to travel outside the U.S. and return later. More information about travel signatures can be found here. It’s okay for F-2/J-2 spouses to travel without the F-1/J-1.
Children Aging Out of F-2/J-2
Children are no longer eligible for F-2 or J-2 status when they turn 21. If they want to stay in the U.S., they can apply to change to another immigration status before their F-2 or J-2 expires. They should start preparing to change status early on to avoid possible status violation of F-2 or J-2.
ISSS can assist if a child wants to change to F-1 or j-1 status to study at Texas A&M. See Applying for F-1 or J-1 Status for more information.
ISSS can assist if a child wants to change to F-1 or j-1 status to study at Texas A&M. See Applying for F-1 or J-1 Status for more information.
Applying for J-2 Employment Authorization
J-2s are eligible to work in the U.S. with authorization from USCIS in the form of an EAD card. You will need to file an I-765 application with USCIS and pay their fee. As part of the I-765 application, you will need to provide the following with your request:
- A copy of your Form DS-2019
- Evidence the J-1 is currently maintaining status
- Evidence that any income from this employment authorization will not be used to support the J-1
- Evidence you (the J-2) are currently maintaining status; and
- Evidence of all previously authorized periods of J-2 employment (if applicable).
- Evidence that any income from this employment authorization will not be used to support the J-1 principal non-citizen is a statement where J-2 says s/he will only need some extra cash for travel/personal experiences in the US but does not need or intend to support their family and J-1.
You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work in the U.S. You can request one on your I-765 application.
If your J-1 partner is a faculty member, you may use the TAMU Dual Career Program for assistance with finding work after you obtain your EAD card.
Sample Letter for J-2 I-765 Application
Date:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Dear USCIS,
My name is (J-2 name) and I am in the United States in J-2 status accompanying my spouse, (J-1 name), who is a (your spouse’s position i.e. graduate student, research associate, visiting fellow, etc.) s/he earns $.... a month.
I am applying for J-2 work authorization. My spouse’s salary/stipend is sufficient to cover our day-to-day expenses. I hope to be employed (for my career interest advancement, to have opportunities to travel and experience the American culture, take classes, etc.) and NOT to financially support my spouse. Please find my application for the work authorization and all relevant documents enclosed.
I ask you to grant me the work authorization until the end date of my DS-2019 on __________ (enter your DS-2019 end date).
Best regards,
Your Signature
Your Name
Your Address
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Dear USCIS,
My name is (J-2 name) and I am in the United States in J-2 status accompanying my spouse, (J-1 name), who is a (your spouse’s position i.e. graduate student, research associate, visiting fellow, etc.) s/he earns $.... a month.
I am applying for J-2 work authorization. My spouse’s salary/stipend is sufficient to cover our day-to-day expenses. I hope to be employed (for my career interest advancement, to have opportunities to travel and experience the American culture, take classes, etc.) and NOT to financially support my spouse. Please find my application for the work authorization and all relevant documents enclosed.
I ask you to grant me the work authorization until the end date of my DS-2019 on __________ (enter your DS-2019 end date).
Best regards,
Your Signature
Your Name
Your Address
International Spouses Forum (ISF)
The mission of International Spouses Forum (ISF) is to create a social platform for international student/scholar spouses and their families to connect with each other, share experiences and passions, as well as explore the College Station/Bryan community together. Light refreshments and coffee are on us!
ISSS organizes gatherings at a coffee shop on or near campus. The ISF coffee conversations are usually held on the first Friday of every month during the Fall and the Spring semester. Please make sure you check your emails for more information and opportunities for various ISF events and activities in the local community.
Resources for Families with Children
Enrolling a Child in School
Kids who will be 5 years or older by September 1 of the current year can attend K-12 school (Kindergarten through 12th grade).
J-2 and F-2 children are allowed to attend U.S. public schools. Bryan and College Station have separate school districts – so you can enroll your child for one based on where you live.
You will need to register your child online with College Station ISD or Bryan ISD. See their websites for a list of required documents and general information about the different schools available.
J-2 and F-2 children are allowed to attend U.S. public schools. Bryan and College Station have separate school districts – so you can enroll your child for one based on where you live.
You will need to register your child online with College Station ISD or Bryan ISD. See their websites for a list of required documents and general information about the different schools available.
Childcare
Childcare in the U.S. is mostly privately owned. The demand for childcare centers in College Station is high, the lines are long, and the basic agreement between parents and the childcare provider can make it expensive and complicated to quit.
Before you sign any documents, please make sure you and your kid(s) like the place and the teachers. It’s okay to have an extra agreement - for example, try 2 weeks (you pay for it, but won’t have to pay for 3 more months if this does not work out) and see if your child likes the place.
Below are some of the local B/CS childcare locations. There may be others depending on your location:
Before you sign any documents, please make sure you and your kid(s) like the place and the teachers. It’s okay to have an extra agreement - for example, try 2 weeks (you pay for it, but won’t have to pay for 3 more months if this does not work out) and see if your child likes the place.
Below are some of the local B/CS childcare locations. There may be others depending on your location:
- Becky Gates Children's Center (At least one parent must be affiliated with TAMU)
- Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center
- Stepping Stone School
- Kiddie Academy of College Station
- Southwood Learning Center
- Bullfrogs and Butterflies Child Care Center
- Peas in a Pod Learning Center
- Golden Keys Learning Center
- Prodigy Learning Center
- Happy Feet Childcare
Local Activities for Kids
Dancing
Music Lessons
School of Rock Bryan/College Station
Parks
There are 52 parks in Bryan College Station area – some of them are Lick creek, Wolf Pen Creek, Bee Creek, Central, Hensel, etc.
College Station Parks and Recreation
Gymnastics
Brazos Valley Gymnastics Center
Thunder Elite Cheerleading, Gymnastics and Dance
Swimming
Every summer there are swimming sessions in most B/CS pools.
Bryan Pools and Aquatic Programs
College Station Swimming and Aquatics
Horseback Riding
Royal Legend Arabians & Horse Center
Martial Arts
Academy of Modern Martial Arts
Figure Skating
Cooking
Summer Camps
There is no school during summer, but BCS area has dozens of summer camps for kids
(Schedule will be updated early June every year).
Other Places Kids Might Like
Additional Resources
Volunteering
Volunteering is an excellent opportunity for dependents looking for a way to pass time and make meaningful relationships in their new home. The Aggie Community and broader Bryan- College Station area have a great number of volunteer opportunities, ranging from visiting with the sick to helping build homes. Dependents with degrees, work experience, and unique skill sets will find a wide range of positions where they can be an asset. Volunteering is also an excellent way to get connected with other spouses and families in the area, both local and international.
Volunteering opportunities can be found through searches on Texas A&M’s website for service https://aggieserve.tamu.edu/, or by searches on volunteermatch.org after searching “College Station, TX” or “Bryan, TX”. Both sites utilize filter searches to help you find causes you are familiar with or interested in.
However, if you decide to volunteer, it is important to comply with the Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations for F2 and J2 dependents. You may not receive any form of taxable outcome for your volunteer activities and may not work in a position for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone. To put it more simply: you cannot be paid for volunteering and you cannot volunteer in a position for which you normally would be paid. If you are unsure if your volunteering meets federal regulations, please contact ISSS.
Volunteering opportunities can be found through searches on Texas A&M’s website for service https://aggieserve.tamu.edu/, or by searches on volunteermatch.org after searching “College Station, TX” or “Bryan, TX”. Both sites utilize filter searches to help you find causes you are familiar with or interested in.
However, if you decide to volunteer, it is important to comply with the Department of Homeland Security rules and regulations for F2 and J2 dependents. You may not receive any form of taxable outcome for your volunteer activities and may not work in a position for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone. To put it more simply: you cannot be paid for volunteering and you cannot volunteer in a position for which you normally would be paid. If you are unsure if your volunteering meets federal regulations, please contact ISSS.
Resources to Learn English
The following is a list of resources for individuals looking for help learning and practicing English:
Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Resources
The following resources are available in the Bryan / College Station community and are not directly affiliated with Texas A&M University. As such, they are available to students and non-students. We encourage individuals to be aware of the resources available to them and seek the resources that they need.
Key Services or Programs:
Sexual Assault Resource Center
The key services or programs offered by the Sexual Assault Resource Center include crisis services, individual counseling, group counseling, education & outreach.Twin City Mission Phoebe's Home
Location: 2505 South College Avenue Bryan, Texas 77801Key Services or Programs:
- The Doug Weedon Shelter for Hope
- The Community Closet
- The Community Cafe
- Rapid Re-Housing Program
- Domestic Violence Services
- Universal Child Abuse Prevention (U.C.A.P)
- Donation & Resale Services