{"id":5996,"date":"2024-07-02T16:56:54","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T20:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/?page_id=5996"},"modified":"2026-09-29T09:49:37","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T13:49:37","slug":"permissions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/visas\/dependents\/permissions\/","title":{"rendered":"Dependent Permissions and Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":0,"parent":5936,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"class_list":["post-5996","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"lead_in":"","display_title":"","subtitle":"","call_to_action":"","hero_image_placement":"no_image","hero_media":"images","hero_pattern_option":"","hero_video":"","hero_image_landing":"","hero_image_landing_two":"","hero_image_landing_three":"","content_modules":[{"acf_fc_layout":"text","anchor":"","css_class":"mt-0 pt-15","title":"","content":"Dependents may have the opportunity to take part in a variety of events and activities during their time in the US, including <a href=\"\/iso\/visas\/dependents\/permissions\/#study\">studying<\/a>, <a href=\"\/iso\/visas\/dependents\/permissions\/#work-volunteer\">working or volunteering<\/a>, or other <a href=\"\/iso\/visas\/dependents\/permissions\/#childcare\">child care<\/a>. Learn more about these rules and opportunities below.\r\n<h2>Travel permissions and staying in the US<\/h2>\r\nAs a dependent, your ability to stay in the US is tied to the start dates, end dates, and maintenance of valid status of the principal alien. If the principal alien ends their program or employment at the University and leaves the US, the dependent(s) must also leave. Similarly, if the principal alien leaves the US for an extended period of time (typically more than 4 weeks), dependents are expected to accompany the principal while they are out of the country. <a href=\"\/iso\/visas\/categories\/\">Visit our Visa Categories page<\/a>\u00a0for additional details.","background_color":"#ffffff","width":"width-medium"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"study","classes":"pt-30","title":"<h2>Study permissions<\/h2>","description":"Dependents may have the option to study during their stay in the United States depending on their individual circumstances and status. Your primary reason for staying in the United States must not become the completion of any course of study; each dependent status is directly tied to the principal's status and primary purpose of stay.\r\n\r\nBe cautious when considering enrolling in any type of class or program of study. We recommend discussing any planned study with an <a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">ISO advisor<\/a> well in advance to ensure the status of both the principal and any dependent(s) are not jeopardized.","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"F-2 dependent spouses","icon":"","row_content":"In general, F-2 dependent spouses may enroll in classes that are for a hobby or aren\u2019t vocational in nature, such as English learning.\r\n\r\nF-2 dependents are permitted to study part-time as long as the school is approved by the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/sevis\"><strong>Student Exchange Visitor Program<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(SEVP) to host F-1 or M-1 students. You may be able to enroll in a degree program or take courses toward the completion of a degree prior to changing to an F-1 or J-1 student category.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">Contact ISO<\/a>\u00a0to speak with an advisor about these permissions.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"J-2 and H-4 dependent spouses","icon":"","row_content":"J-2 and H-4 dependent spouses are allowed to participate in part-time or full-time study. However, if you are accepted into a full-time program of study, ISO strongly recommends <a href=\"\/iso\/visas\/change-immigration-status\/\">applying for a change of status<\/a>\u00a0to an appropriate student visa.\r\n\r\nH-4 dependents must <a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">consult with an International Scholar Advisor<\/a>\u00a0before changing to a student status.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"F-2, J-2, and H-4 dependent children: Elementary and secondary school","icon":"","row_content":"F-2, J-2, and H-4 dependent children may attend elementary and secondary school.\r\n\r\nIn the United States, children between the ages of 5 and 16 are required to attend school. Most children remain enrolled through the age of 17 or 18, after completing 13 years of primary and secondary education.\r\n<h6>Public schools<\/h6>\r\nYour children can attend public schools free of charge. To enroll your child in school, you need to show their:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Birth certificate<\/li>\r\n \t<li>School records or transcripts<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Documented proof of immunizations<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Proof of residency (such as a recent utility bill addressed to your current residence)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThe appropriate school is determined by where you live. For example, with regard to University housing:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Whipple Park residents attend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rhnet.org\/\">Rush Henrietta School District<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Goler House residents (or nearby) attend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcsdk12.org\/\">Rochester City School District<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h6>Private schools<\/h6>\r\nPrivate schools charge for enrollment. There are a variety of options in the Rochester area to fit your lifestyle and religious beliefs. Private schools often offer smaller class sizes with lower teacher-to-student ratios, so students can receive the one-on-one attention they may need.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"F-2, J-2, and H-4 dependent children: College","icon":"","row_content":"F-2 children may study part-time at a college that is certified by SEVP but must change to a primary student category to enroll full-time.\r\n\r\nJ-2 and H-4 children may enroll and study in college but won\u2019t be able to maintain a dependent status once they reach the age of 21.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"work-volunteer","classes":"pt-30","title":"<h2>Work and volunteer permissions<\/h2>","description":"Eligibility for work permission varies by the immigration category. Please <a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">discuss your work or volunteer plans with an ISO advisor<\/a>\u00a0first, and reference our <a href=\"\/iso\/current-students\/working\/work-vs-volunteer\/\">Work vs. Volunteer definitions<\/a>\u00a0to ensure you\u2019re in compliance.","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"title","sub_heading":"Work permission eligibility"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"F-2, H-4, TD-1, and O-3 dependents","icon":"","row_content":"F-2, H-4, TD-1, and O-3 dependents are <strong>NOT eligible for US work permission<\/strong>. Employment without appropriate authorization is a serious and immediate violation of status. If you receive a job offer, you\u2019ll need to discuss visa sponsorship for an employment-based category with your potential employer. Notify ISO if you change your status.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"J-2 dependents","icon":"","row_content":"J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization. Learn more on our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rochester.edu\/iso\/visas\/dependents\/permissions\/j-2-work\/\">J-2 Dependents Work Permissions page<\/a>.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"J-1 scholars dependents","icon":"","row_content":"Dependents of J-1 scholars must apply for work authorization before beginning any activity which may be viewed as work, regardless of whether payment will or will not be received.\r\n\r\nWhen in doubt, <a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">meet with an ISO advisor<\/a> before beginning any employment or volunteer activities.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"H-1B, O-1, and TN employees dependents","icon":"","row_content":"Dependents of H-1B, O-1, and TN employees must be careful not to complicate or disrupt any other immigration petitions or benefits that may be in progress. Volunteer activities can complicate these procedures.\r\n\r\nYou must NOT engage in any activities, volunteer or otherwise, without <a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">discussing your plans in detail with an ISO advisor<\/a>\u00a0beforehand.","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"title","sub_heading":"Volunteer eligibility"},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Dependents of F-1 and J-1 students","icon":"","row_content":"Dependents of F-1 and J-1 students may volunteer under strict conditions and should <a href=\"\/iso\/contact\/\">speak with an ISO advisor<\/a>\u00a0prior to engaging in the activity.\r\n\r\nVolunteer activities require that:\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li>You are <strong>not<\/strong> receiving any kind of payment or benefit for the services you provide.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The organization does <strong>not<\/strong> usually pay someone to do the same kind of work.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The company should <strong>not<\/strong> be a private, for-profit employer.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nIf these conditions are met, get a letter or other document from the organization confirming that your activities there are unpaid and voluntary.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"\/iso\/current-students\/working\/work-vs-volunteer\/\">Review the definition of work versus the definition of volunteer<\/a>.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion_new","anchor_id":"childcare","classes":"pt-30","title":"<h2>Childcare for dependent children<\/h2>","description":"It\u2019s important that you follow childcare rules for your dependent children. Explore guidance in the drop-downs below.","background":"plain","background_color":"#ffffff","style":"row_blank","expand":"no","accordions":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Illegal to leave children alone or unattended","icon":"","row_content":"It is illegal in the United States to leave children or babies unattended in a home, hotel, or car by themselves. Leaving a child unattended can bring charges of negligence or \u201cendangering the welfare of a child\u201d.\r\n\r\nIf you must leave your child temporarily, arrange for someone else to care for them. An adult or responsible older child (usually 12 years or older) should be supervising the child\u2019s activities.\r\n\r\nIf you are concerned about the welfare of a child or suspect the possibility of neglect or abuse, you can call the New York Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at +1-800-342-3720 (24-hour toll-free number).","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Childcare options for young children","icon":"","row_content":"If your child is too young to enroll in elementary school, consider daycare, nursery, or preschool. Such programs provide socialization and activities with adult supervision during the day.\r\n\r\nThere are a variety of services in this area. Some may have more flexible schedules than others, or offer different class sizes, structure, or fees. Be sure to research your choices to find a childcare provider that suits your needs.\r\n\r\nTo find a qualified and licensed facility, use the\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ocfs.ny.gov\/main\/childcare\/looking.asp\"><strong>New York State Office of Children and Family Services search tool.<\/strong><\/a>","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Interviewing daycare centers","icon":"","row_content":"When visiting a childcare facility, ask the following questions:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Is the facility licensed or registered with the state government? If so, ask to see a copy of the latest inspection report.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can you visit the facility during operating hours before registering your child?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Once your child is registered, will you be able to visit at any time?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is there a written daily schedule that includes activities?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is there indoor and outdoor play and are children always supervised?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is each child assigned to one caregiver who is primarily responsible for them?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is there a written discipline policy?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Is smoking banned from the facility?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Are there written policies for the care of sick children?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Will the caregivers give prescribed medicine to your children?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Does a pediatrician or nurse serve as a consultant to the childcare program?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Do staff members have training in child development?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Have childcare workers received up to date first aid and CPR training?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>How long have the supervisors and caregivers been employed there?<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Can you get recommendations from parents who use the program and from parents whose child has \u201cgraduated\u201d from the facility or moved to another center?<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"What to look for at childcare facilities","icon":"","row_content":"Look for the following at a childcare facility:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Diaper changing areas with sink well within the caregiver\u2019s reach<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Cubbies, lockers or other places to store children\u2019s personal belongings<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Caregivers wash their hands after wiping a child\u2019s nose<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Infants are fed sitting up, with an adult present during meals and snacks<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Plenty of age-appropriate toys for all the children<\/li>\r\n \t<li>An outdoor play area free of sharp edges, pinch point, sharp rocks and ditches<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Impact absorbing material, such as wood chips, rubber mats or loosely packed sand in all areas where children are likely to fall<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Adults supervise outdoor play<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","accordion_anchor":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion","accordion_title":"Summer camps","icon":"","row_content":"Many children in the US attend camps and other organized activities during school breaks and over the summer months. Camps often specialize in different areas, such as sports, arts, or educational learning. Search online for summer day camps\u00a0in our area, or ask other parents with children for more information.","accordion_anchor":""}]},{"acf_fc_layout":"card_grid","anchor":"","css_class":"","title":"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Related resources<\/h2>","description":"","background_color":"#f4f4f4","width":"width-large","columns":"3","cards":[{"card_title":"<p class=\"u-card-title\">Visa category comparison<\/p>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#FFFFFF","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"","url":"\/iso\/visas\/categories\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"<p class=\"u-card-title\">Employment definitions: Work vs. volunteer<\/p>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#FFFFFF","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"","url":"\/iso\/current-students\/working\/work-vs-volunteer\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""},{"card_title":"<p class=\"u-card-title\">Community life<\/p>","card_text":"","card_background_color":"#FFFFFF","card_hover_color":"#283faf","card_link":{"title":"","url":"\/iso\/living\/community\/","target":""},"card_hover_arrow":"hover_arrow","card_image":"","card_image_size":"","card_image_placement":"","card_image_hover_state":"hover_fade","card_image_link":""}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - 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