F-2 Dependents

Health Insurance for F-2 Dependents

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Overview of Coverage

While F-2 dependents are not required to have health insurance, coverage is highly recommended. Medical emergencies in the U.S. can result in significant, unexpected financial costs.

Note for F-1/J-1 Couples: If your spouse or child also holds F-1/J-1 status and is covered under your policy (or vice versa), the student covered as a dependent must still submit a waiver application to avoid being double-charged for SSHIP coverage.

Enrollment Options and Methods

Dependents are not automatically enrolled. You must manually enroll them during the Open Enrollment period or following a Qualifying Life Event.

Qualifying Life Events (QLE)

If you miss the Open Enrollment period, you have a 60-day window following a "Qualifying Event" to add dependents. After this 60-day window, you cannot make changes until the next Open Enrollment period.

Recognized Qualifying Events:

• Arrival of dependents to the U.S.
• Marriage, birth, or adoption.
• Loss of existing health insurance coverage.
• Loss of a spouse or dependent (death, divorce, or legal separation).

Required Documentation:

To apply for a change based on a QLE, you must provide legal proof, such as a marriage license, birth certificate, or stamped immigration documents.

Effective Dates and Billing

• Cost: Premiums are prorated based on the semester's start date.
• Effective Date: Coverage begins on the latter of:
  1. The date you enroll for coverage.
  2. The day after your previous coverage ended.

Contact for Assistance

If you have questions regarding health insurance eligibility or the waiver process, please contact the International Affairs office or your designated HR Representative.

Childcare

Childcare in the United States can be very expensive. As of January 2024, the average base rate for infant childcare in San Antonio, TX is $16.83 per hour which comes to $673 for a 40-hour week or $2,188 per month. If you need childcare for your dependent, please research the various childcare providers in San Antonio and their costs before making the decision to bring your child dependents.

Public Schools in San Antonio

F-2 minor children must comply with compulsory education requirements in attending kindergarten through 12th grade. F-2 children may be enrolled in public schools in San Antonio at the K-12 level. For information on enrolling your child in school, please visit the SAISD website.

F-2 Dependent I-20 Application Process

Step 1: Required Documentation

Please submit the following documents to the International Affairs office:

• Application Form: Completed F-2 Dependent Application Form.
• Passport: A clear copy of the F-2 dependent’s passport ID page (must show the expiration date).
• Sponsorship Form: A completed and signed Sponsorship Form.
• Financial Support: Evidence of all funding sources.
• F-1 Principal Documents: (Only if the student is already in the U.S.)
  • Copy of current I-20.
  • Copy of visa stamp.
  • Copy of I-94 Form.

Step 2: Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate proof of readily available funds for the student’s cost of attendance plus additional support for dependents ($5,000 for a spouse and $3,000 per child).

Annual Estimated Cost of Attendance (Fall/Spring)

Additional Dependent Costs

• Spouse: $5,000
• Child: $3,000 (per child)

Step 3: Submission Methods

For New Incoming Students:

• Via Email: Send attachments to International.Affairs@tamusa.edu 
  • Note: Do not send compressed files (.zip). Use PDF, JPEG, or JPG formats.
• Via Mail:

For Students Already in the U.S.:

• Bring documents in person to the International Affairs office during advising hours (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Step 4: Next Steps & Regulations

1. I-20 Issuance: Once processed, you will receive a dependent I-20 and an updated F-1 I-20.
2. Signatures: The F-1 student must sign the bottom of page 1 for both their own and the dependent's I-20s.
3. No SEVIS Fee: The SEVIS I-901 fee is not required for F-2 dependents.
4. Visa Application: Dependents must apply for the F-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S.
5. Housing Policy: Students with dependents are not permitted to live in university dorms. You must secure off-campus housing. Reference the TAMUSA Off-Campus Housing Resources for local rates and locations.

F-2 Visa Application Requirements

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Required Documents for the F-2 Visa Interview

When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you must provide the following:

• Relationship Proof:

  • Spouses: A copy of your marriage certificate.

  • Children: A copy of birth certificates or legal adoption documents.

• Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to support all family members during your stay in the U.S. (refer to the financial tables above).

• Application Essentials:

  • Required photographs (passport style).

  • Payment of the Visa Application fee.

  • Completed Visa Application forms.

• Intent to Return: Proof of "strong ties" to your home country or a flight ticket to a destination outside of U.S. territories, demonstrating your intent to return home after the F-1 student completes their education.

Post-Arrival Instructions

If the visa is approved and the dependents enter the United States, you must complete the following steps within 5 days of arrival:

Submit copies of these documents to the International Affairs:

• Stamped dependent I-20s.

• Passport ID pages (must show expiration date).

• F-2 visa stamps.

• I-94 travel records.