Have an F-1 visa with a spouse and kids? Don’t worry!

Introduction

Have you ever felt confident in your preparation, only to be overwhelmed by worry because you overlooked a crucial detail? Suddenly, you feel unprepared all over again, especially when that detail involves your spouse and children. Don’t worry—there’s a way for you to study in the United States and bring your family along! Whether you have just a spouse, only children, or both, you can include them in your plans. Bottom line: if you have dependents, whether a spouse, biological children, or adopted children, you can bring them with you, and we’ll guide you through the process.

What is the Process, And Who Qualifies as 'Dependents'?

Dependents will need to obtain what is known as “F-2 visa” status. An F-2 visa is similar to an F-1 visa but applies to dependents who, in a sense, fall “under the umbrella” of your F-1 visa status. As the F-1 visa holder, you hold the primary status, while your dependents are covered under F-2 status. But who qualifies as a dependent? Here’s what is considered a “dependent” in this case:

1. Your spouse

2. Your biological children

3. Your legal adopted children

4. Any step children

   
   

Who Doesn’t Qualify?

If you have a dependent that is older than 21, and is not your spouse, they will need to apply for either their own f-1, or apply for alternate status. Individuals who are not directly related to you or don’t meet the four dependent criteria listed above won’t qualify as dependents. For example, if your parents are living with you, they will need to apply separately—either by obtaining their own F-1 visa to study or by contacting the U.S. embassy or a local agent in their country for assistance and further details. You’re also welcome to reach out to us for more information at 801-717-0143.

For any exceptions, unique cases, or additional details, please contact your local agent, your embassy, or reach out to us for assistance.

Step 1:​ Contact Us First

We’re located in Orem, Utah, about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Olympic Games and set to host again in 2034. The process of securing visas for you and your dependents is similar to applying for an F-1 for yourself (see blog), but in this case, it’s a collective application. This means you’ll provide information not only for yourself but also for your dependents. Here’s what you’ll need to send us:

How You Begin

You will need to follow the same process as when you apply for an F-1 for yourself, only include your family:

1. Contact us with the information provided on the Nomen Global Website for both yourself and for your dependents.

2. An advisor will guide you through the process and help you and your spouse and children to apply.

3. Your advisor will begin working with you all on your visa application process

You will then need to:

1. Complete the Application Form

2. Complete the Sponsor Financial Statement PDF

3. Pay the application fee

The applicant must send an email and attach the following documents:

1. Application Form (unless completed on our website)

2. Sponsor Financial Statement

3. Passports from yourself and all Dependents

4. Bank Statement(s) of the student and/or Sponsor

   
   

Your advisor will assist you in obtaining and completing the required documents, and guiding you through the submission process. Along with all the necessary forms for your visa application, our team will also prepare you for each step of the visa interview process. We’re committed to ensuring your embassy appointment is successful so you can begin your studies in the United States with your family at your side. Once you all secure your visas, we’ll help you plan your travel and accommodation for your journey to Utah. When you begin classes at Nomen Global, our school registrar will keep you updated on your visas and any related paperwork. By attending classes and aiming for a high GPA, you’ll enjoy an incredible experience studying English in the U.S.A. We can’t wait to welcome you to America to learn American English!

Apply to Nomen Global

Step 2: Receive Your I-20 Packets and Read Through

Once your documents are accepted by the Admissions Office, you must pay $125 for the issuance of the I-20 and all dependents. You will each receive your own individual I-20s. The following documentation will be sent virtually to your email for your needs: 

1. Letter of Acceptance 

2. Letter for the Embassy 

3. I-20(s)

4. Basic Instruction Manual

Once the I-20s are obtained, each of you must begin filling out another document:

1. DS-160(s) (which is an online document where you place all the personal data that will be asked for by the Embassy)

   
   

You can fill out the DS-160 for your children if needed. When filling out the DS-160, and all documents, be sure to be sincere, clear, and coherent. See the .pdf for the DS-160 at:

https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/PDF-other/DS-160-Example_11012019.pdf

Step 3: Prepare For Embassy Interview

All of you will participate in your embassy interview. Your International Agent or a representative from Nomen Global can assist you in preparing for this important meeting. Prior to your embassy interview, you should be aware of the following:

The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an online platform utilized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to manage information about schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for F-1 and M-1 students coming to the United States. It’s important to note that there is a fee associated with SEVIS that all students must pay before their interview.

Just like applying for your own F-1, You can pay a week before your interview and it lasts for 1 year.

Here are the tips to prepare for the Embassy Interview:

Prepare for the Interview.pptx

.pdf

Download PDF • 55KB

Here is a list of sample questions for you to prepare:

Interview Sample Questions.pptx

.pdf

Download PDF • 60KB

Step 4: After The Interview

If you and your family are Approved do the following:

1. Notify the school that you and your family have been approved 

2. Send the copy of your visas

3. Pay the full semester tuition

If you are denied, do not be discourage. We can help you. Please follow these steps:

1. If you are going to continue trying, request new I-20s and wait for a few months (recommended to wait at least 6 months and change the students circumstances such as job, ties to country, etc.)

2. Reschedule the appointment 

3. Keep working with us and we can help you and your family with any questions

   
   

Before traveling to the United States of America, consider the following, and be ready to have the following:

1. Passports for yourself and all dependents

2. All F-1 and F-2 visas for you and your dependents

3. I-20s

4. Cash

5. Travel Information, etc.

6. You must start school once you arrive in Utah 

7. Your Agent, or a Nomen Global representative will notify the school of the day the you will arrive in the USA

8. Send a Nomen Global representative a copy of the travel itinerary

Conclusion: Be Sure To Stay In The USA!

After arriving in Utah, you are required to attend school, as this is a national mandate for maintaining F-1 status and holding an F-1 visa. Keep the following points in mind as an F-1 student with Nomen Global:

1. The student must take the Placement Test before starting classes. 

2. They must attend Orientation Class 30 minutes before the first day of class (Information about Canvas, rules, etc.) 

3. Receive information about health insurance, how to get your driver's license, obtain a bank account in the US, etc. 

4. Encourage your student to keep an eye on school rules, their attendance and their grades. 

5. Enjoy the stay in UTAH!

Once you’re here, be sure to fully engage in the English experience. This means being diligent in your studies, focusing on personal growth, showing integrity in class, and striving for high grades. In return, we’ll support you in reaching your future goals and preparing you for a smooth transfer to an American university!

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