Family Members Visiting

If you would like to invite your parents or other immediate family members to the U.S. for a visit, please fill out the Letter Request Form and submit it on-line. We will provide a letter of support for their visa application that will be ready in three business days.

Bringing Dependents in F-2 or J-2 Status

Your spouse or unmarried child(ren) under 21 may accompany you in F-2 or J-2 dependent status while you pursue a program of study or research in the U.S. They may also come later, entering the U.S. without you.

At your visa appointment and at the port of entry to the U.S., you are required to show evidence of financial support for each dependent. This amount is listed on your I-20 or DS-2019. The University of Oregon requires all international students and their dependents to carry adequate health and accident insurance. For more information click here.

The additional amount of financial support you must show for each F-2 and J-2 dependent is as follows:

Spouse $709 per month
Each Child $250 per month

To add dependents to you I-20 or DS-2019 document please fill out an adding dependents form.

Family Members Studying in the U.S.

F-2 spouses and/or children over the age of 21 may not engage in full time study. However, they may engage in study that is recreational or avocational in nature. F-2 children under the age of 21 may only engage in full time study for primary or secondary school (grades K-12).

J-2 spouses and/or children are eligible to study full or part time while in the U.S.

Public Schools (grades K-12)

To enroll your children in local public schools, you will need to bring the following documents with you:

1. An official birth certificate, a signed hospital certificate, or a passport as valid proof of your children's birth dates.
2. Proof of a physical examination for children entering school for the first time.
3. Official copies of the children's previous school records.
4. All immunization records with names of vaccines and dates received. Required immunizations for all school-aged children are diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. In addition, children from outside of the U.S. must be screened for active tuberculosis infection.

The Eugene School District 4J: Features 27 primary schools, 13 middle school, eight high schools and 3 charter schools. There are also language immersion schools in Spanish, Japanese and French.

Springfield School District: Features 16 primary schools, 7 middle schools, 2 high schools and 3 alternative schools.

Community Education

University of Oregon Community Education Program: The University of Oregon offers courses for credit in almost every subject, on an open-door basis. No formal admission required.

Lane Community College: Lane Community College is a two-year college that also offers community education. It is located about two miles south of Eugene/Springfield. Easy access is available via the city bus system or by car.

English Language Studies

American English Institute (AEI) on UO campus: The AEI has provided English language instruction since 1977 to international students and educators who want to enter the UO, or to learn English for personal or professional reasons. The institute's goal is to help students learn to communicate and study effectively in English and to gain a greater understanding of American culture.

Downtown Languages English Classes: Downtown Languages is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of low-cost English classes for adults. The atmosphere in the classroom is active and fun which encourages students to use their new language skills from the first day of class.

English Conversation: There are several opportunities in the community for spouses to learn and practice English with other women and community volunteers.

Family Members Working in the U.S.

F-2 spouses and/or children are not allowed to work in the U.S.

J-2 spouses and/or children are eligible to apply to the USCIS for employment authorization as long as the employment is not for the purpose of financially supporting the J-1 visitor.

"Income from the spouse's or dependent's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 principal alien." (8 CFR 214.2 (j) (1) (v) (QA)

UO Campus Resources for Families

Housing
Outdoor Program
Family Recreation Program
Health Center
Parking and Transportation
Student Life
Work and Family Services

UO Childcare Resources

Moss Street Children's Center
Vivian Olum Child Development Center
Co-op Family Center at Spencer View Family Housing

Local Community Resources for Families

Eugene Area Information
City of Eugene Website
Events
Culture and the Arts Information

Driving

When you apply for a driver's license or permit, Oregon law required the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to administer a written examination. This examination asks questions about road signs, traffic laws and other information you need to know to drive in Oregon. All information necessary to pass this test is included in the Oregon Driver Manual. You may also be required to take a driving test. Keep in mind that you cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver's license.

Banking

Banks in the U.S. offer many kinds of financial services including checking and savings accounts, conversion of foreign currency, bank drafts, money orders, credit cards, loans, inter-bank transfers, traveler's checks and safe-deposit boxes for valuables. To open an account you must present your passport and UO ID. You also need one of the following: cash, a bank draft, cashier's check, or traveler's checks, all payable in U.S. dollars. You do NOT need a U.S. Social Security number. You should ask your bank for a Form W-8, which enables you to declare your exemption from tax on interest income because of your nonimmigrant status. The following banks are close to campus and are listed in alphabetical order:

Bank of America
201 E. 11th Ave., Phone 541-342-5810

Oregon Community Credit Union
488 E. 11th Ave., Phone 541-687-2347

U.S. Bank
810 E. 13th Ave., Phone 541-465-4281

Washington Mutual Bank
1100 Willamette St., Phone 541-465-8000

Social Security

In general, only non U.S. citizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for a Social Security Number. Lawfully admitted non U.S. citizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a Social Security number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs, or apply for subsidized housing.