J-1 Family Information
Dependent family members
If you will be bringing dependent family members (spouse/children) to UMass Dartmouth with you, please notify us immediately. The information below will help prepare for their visit:
Who are your dependent family members?
- Spouses and unmarried children under 21
- Not household servants
- Not parents or siblings
What's required to bring them to the U.S.?
- Proof of sufficient funds to provide for their living expenses while in the U.S.; please use this .
- Information for each family member; please give us
- The full name
- Date and place of birth
- Country of citizenship
- Relationship to you
- A Form DS-2019 in their names to use in applying for the J-2 visa
- Our office will prepare this form once we have the necessary information.
What about work and study for dependent family members?
- Your J-2 family can study part-time or full-time in the U.S.
- Your J-2 family may apply for permission to work in the U.S.; please consult with the International Student & Scholar Center (ISSC) for further information.
Other Relatives
A family member who is not a minor child or spouse and wants to visit the U.S. may request a B-2 tourist visa. The application process is explained on the U.S. Department of State website. The ISSC can give you a Family Visit letter to assist the family member in obtaining this visa.
Special requirements for children
- Any child of 6 years old or older must attend school and may begin as early as age 5.
- The public schools in Dartmouth and nearby are free of charge and of good quality
- School-age children must bring
- Certified copies of birth certificate
- Record of the immunizations can be obtained from doctors in the area, but you must pay for these and the costs are high.
- School records, in English, if possible; you can also translate for school officials
Health Insurance & Health Care
You must add your dependents to your health insurance policy. Please see this additional information on J-1 Health Insurance.