Immigration

General Information for Current Students

BRINGING FAMILY MEMBERS TO CSUB:

 

Many international students at CSUB are accompanied by their families. Often, family members will come to CSUB after the student has arrived. It is important that all international students who are requesting documents in order to bring family members to CSUB understand some of the challenges faced by dependents.

Financial: It costs money to bring dependents to the U.S. Do you have sufficient funds to support your family members? Before issuing any documents, the Office of International Students & Programs (ISP) will need to see evidence of adequate financial support for family members. Estimates of expenses are available at the Office of ISP. Unfortunately, F-2 visa holders (dependents of F-1 visa holders) are NOT allowed to work in the U.S. under any circumstances.

Medical expenses and child care: Medical care in the U.S. is very expensive. It is extremely important that you purchase adequate health insurance for your entire family. It is also very important to understand the medical coverage that you purchase. Child care is also expensive.

Documents required to bring family members to the US:
Bring the following documents to the Office of ISP for your appointment:


Your I-20 ID
Passport
I-94 card
A copy of your marriage certificate (in your native language, with an official English translation)
Birth certificates of any children (in your native language, with an official English translation)
Evidence from you sponsor of adequate financial support. In addition to showing adequate funding for yourself, you will need to show that your sponsor has an additional amount of $5,000 for your spouse and $5,000 for each child to cover their estimated 9-month living costs.

PLEASE ALLOW 5 WORKING DAYS TO PROCESS YOUR REQUEST.


Upon approval, the Office of ISP will issue you an I-20 form for your family member(s). Your family member(s) will then need to take the I-20, marriage certificate, and evidence of financial support to the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate in your home country and apply for an F-2 visa.