If F-1 or J-1 students would like their parents or other relatives to visit the United States temporarily, they must write a letter of invitation in order for their relatives obtain a temporary visa from the American Consulate. The format for the invitation letter is available in 320 Daniels or on the OIS website.

For dependents (spouse and/or children) to accompany the F-1/J-1 student, their names must be included on the back of the F-1 student's Form I-20 or the J-1 student's Form DS-2019 . Additionally, sufficient financial resources must be demonstrated in order to obtain the I-20/DS-2019 from NC State University and for the dependents to obtain the F-2 or J-2 visa from the US consulate. For the 2003-2004 school year, students are required to demonstrate funds of $27,500. For a spouse, an additional amount of $6000/year is required and for each child, an additional $4000/year is required.

For dependents to join the F-1 or J-1 student after the student's entry to the United States, they must submit to the U.S. Consular officer a properly endorsed Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued for dependent travel. The names of the spouse and children must be entered in the designated space on page 4 of the Form I-20 or on the Form DS-2019.

Dependents must also have a valid visa and passport (except those counties in the Visa Waiver Program) and must be able to demonstrate eligibility for F-2/J-2 status, such as proof of relationship to the F-1 or J-1 student. F-2/J-2dependents are not issued I-20s/DS-2019 s but are included on the F-1's I-20 or the J-1's DS-2019 only. Form I-20/DS-2019 Request Forms are available in 320 Daniels or on the OIS website.

OIS strongly encourages that all students purchase medical insurance for their dependents. Medical costs are extremely high in the United States and not having coverage could be disastrous in case of a medical emergency.

FAQ's for Family

1. Do I have to purchase the NC State medical insurance plan for my dependents?
No, you are not required to purchase the NC State medical plan for your dependents but F-1 students are currently required by law (as indicated on the Form I-20) to purchase appropriate medical insurance. However, OIS strongly encourages F-1 students to purchase dependent coverage for spouses and children.

2. How much extra money must I demonstrate for my spouse and/or children?
$6000/year for your spouse; $4000/year for each child.

3. Can my F-2 dependent change to F-1 status?
Please make an appointment with an OIS advisor to discuss the possibility and your options.