The spouse or unmarried minor children (under the age of 21) of an F-1/J-1 student may accompany the student to the USA or follow at a later date. If you wish to request that your dependent(s) join you, you must:

Provide the OISS with a photocopy of the passport page(s) with the following information for EACH dependent:

• full name
• date of birth
• city and country of birth
• country of citizenship
• country of legal, permanent residence
• relationship to you

You must show proof of additional financial support as follows:

• $8,000 for the first dependent
• $6,000 for each additional dependent

Acceptable financial documentation means original bank statements for the previous 6 months, a copy of your departmental award (assistantship/fellowship/scholarship), and/or a properly executed Affidavit of Support. Photocopies are not acceptable unless properly notarized.

Dependents of F-1 students are not eligible for employment under any circumstances, so do not plan on this being a source of funds.

If you are currently living in Babcock Hall, you will need to arrange for alternative housing as your family will not be able to live there. Also, if your dependent(s) will arrive during the academic year, you will have to file a petition with the Housing Department requesting to be released from your contract. THE PETITION MAY BE DENIED. Even if the petition is approved, there is no guarantee that you will receive any type of refund. Contact the Housing Department at 862-2120 for more information.

If you intend to live in Forest Park, be aware that there is usually a waiting list and that space may not be available. Apply as early as possible in order to increase your chances of getting an apartment.

If you are bringing your school-age CHILDREN to the U.S.A., you need to make sure that all their immunizations are up to date and documented. The following are the general minimum requirements for children entering schools in New Hampshire:

• 3 doses DPT/DT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)- last dose after 4th birthday
• 3 doses OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)- last dose after 4th birthday
• 1 dose MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

A mantoux test for TB (Tuberculosis) is recommended for anyone coming from a country with a high incidence of this disease. These vaccinations must be properly documented. In addition, you will need an official birth certificate and complete medical history for each child. You will not be able to enroll your children in school without these documents.

HEALTH INSURANCE for all dependents is strongly recommended (for dependents of students on a "J" visa, it is mandatory). Although coverage is very expensive, the cost of unexpected medical services is much higher. If there is no insurance policy to cover your family and a medical emergency arises, hospital, physician and prescription bills can run into thousands of dollars. Your dependents will not be covered under the University Health Fee. If you do not have coverage, UNH offers an insurance policy that meets all requirements.

It is important to remember that students/scholars in non-immigrant visa categories are not eligible for any types of U.S. Federal Government funds or funded programs to assist them or their families while they are in the are in the U.S.A. These include subsidized housing, medical care, and food stamps, among other things.

In order for your dependent(s) to secure a visa, they will need to present the following items to the consular official(s):

• Form I-20/DS-2019
• valid passport
• proof of financial support

Dependents will also be required to satisfy the U.S. Consular officials that they intend to stay in the U.S. only until the F-1/J-1 student's academic work is completed.