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International Students and Scholars Office


Dependents -- Family Members

A “dependent” is defined as the spouse and/or unmarried child (under the age of 21) of the primary F-1, J-1 or H-1B visa holder.  Children born in the US, or spouses or children who are US permanent residents or US citizens, are not considered “dependents” for immigration purposes.

ISSO had information for students or scholars who are considering bringing their families to the United States on dependent visas.  Please contact our office with any questions or concerns.  Here is some basic information about dependent visas. 

F-2 Dependent Information

F-2 visa holders cannot work or receive compensation for services such as baby-sitting, tutoring, etc.  F-2 dependents may attend non-degree avocational or recreational courses only, on a part-time basis – these courses cannot be used in a degree program.  F-2s wishing to pursue higher education at the college/university level must obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa. 

J-2 Dependent Information

J-2 visa holders may work with prior authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  Please contact ISSO for questions about J-2 work authorization.  J-2s should not begin any work before obtaining DHS authorization as this will jeopardize their legal status.  Current Department of State regulations allow J-2 dependents to pursue a degree part-time or full-time at the college/university level however, we strongly suggest that individuals wanting to pursue a degree program full-time apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa as these regulations could change in the future.

H-4 Dependent Information 

H-4 visa holders may not engage in any paid or unpaid employment under any circumstances.  Currently, federal regulations allow H-4 dependents to pursue a degree part-time or full-time at the college/university level however, we strongly suggest that individuals wanting to pursue a degree program full-time apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa as individuals on an H-4 visa will not be able to participate in off-campus employment such as internships, or on-campus employment including Teaching Assistantships.

F-2, J-2, and H-4 Dependent Children

Each child must attend school beginning in September of the calendar year in which he or she attains the age of six and must continue schooling until the age of 16.  All dependent children must change visa status before their 21st birthday or before marriage (whichever is sooner). 

Schooling and Childcare

Information on schooling is available on the Massachusetts Department of Education website.

Public Schools
Public education is free in the United States. Most children in Massachusetts go to public schools. The area of town in which you live determines the school your child will attend. For information about a town’s school system, call the Massachusetts Department of Education Parent Information Center, (800) 297-0002. District Profiles are also available on the Massachusetts Department of Education website. All parents must provide the following for each child:

  • Proof you live in jurisdiction
  • A health record with proof of immunizations
  • A birth certificate or passport
  • An academic record with proof of school attendance, grades, etc. to help determine U.S. class placement.

Private Schools
Private schools in the United States are usually expensive. There are some excellent schools in the general Boston area, and you should make an appointment for you and your child to meet with the principal of the school. Most schools will arrange for your child to spend a day in the classroom “to test the atmosphere” before registering for the term.
Childcare The Lemberg Children’s Center, an excellent daycare facility, is located in the Lemberg building on the Brandeis campus. If you are interested, please call Dr. Howard Baker, Executive Director, (781) 736-2200, to make an appointment. The Center takes children from 2 to 7 years of age (36 children total) and there is often a waiting list. All childcare facilities in the United States are expensive.
Child Care Resource Center, (617) 547-9861 will give you information on daycare centers and family daycare providers (people who will look after your child in their home, together with a few other children). There is a nominal fee for this service and you will have to investigate the options yourselves. There are several daycare centers in the Waltham area.

Note on Dependent Health Insurance

Medical services in the U.S. are expensive and a trip to the emergency room or hospitalization can result in large bills for those without adequate health insurance coverage.  As a reminder, all J-2 dependents must maintain adequate health insurance coverage while in the U.S. as defined by the regulations governing the J Exchange Visitor Program.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts also requires all individuals residing in Massachusetts to obtain adequate health insurance.  If your dependent family members do not have sufficient medical insurance coverage from their home country that extends to the U.S., they will need to purchase appropriate insurance to cover them while they are residing in Massachusetts.  Short-term insurance plans can be purchased in a variety of plan lengths specifically for visiting the U.S.  The ISSO has additional information and resources regarding health insurance for dependents.  Please contact our office if you have additional questions.

Forms and Other Information