Spouse and Children Overview

Travel (F-2 and J-2)

If you request a travel signature, the approval is also for your F-2 or J-2 dependents.  Your ISSA Adviser will put a travel signature onto all of the documents before sending them to you.
If only the dependents are traveling, you must request a travel signature through iStart.
While traveling, dependents should carry the following: I-20 or DS-2019 with travel signature, valid passport, and valid F-2 or J-2 visa. Also recommended are financial information and proof of student’s enrollment. 

Ending Dependent Status

The dependent’s immigration status is directly related to the primary visa holder.  An adviser will ask for proof that the dependent has returned home, changed status, or is legally divorced before terminating the immigration record.

The dependent’s status ends when:

The F-1 or J-1 visa status ends.
The dependent decides to leave the U.S. permanently or for an extended period.
If spouses become separated/divorced
Remember, the purpose of the dependent visa is to accompany the primary. If this is no longer the case, the dependent should exit the U.S. or change to a different visa category.

Community Resources for Spouses

There are some services available to spouses within the community. Information on these services can be obtained through Global Connections.

Child Care

Child care is an important consideration. Penn State offers quality day care opportunities, but the cost is high, and the waitlist is long. Some Child Care Resources are available.