Approximately 35% percent of VIF teachers bring one or two immediate family members to the U.S. under a J-2 visa. VIF encourages applicants to consider the costs of supporting a family when they apply to the Program. VIF strongly recommends that family members be limited to one accompanying family member for each English-speaking, working adult. Experience has shown that this is the most successful arrangement, both personally and financially, for VIF teachers and their families.
Eligible Family Members
Only legal spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible to accompany teachers to the U.S. on a J-2 visa.* J-2 visa sponsorship is subject to VIF approval. Additional family members must obtain visitor's visas. All family members must return home within 30 days of the teacher's term ending.
General Considerations
As a requirement of the J-1 visa, a VIF teacher must have sufficient financial resources to pay for all the expenses of each accompanying family member with a J-2 visa (known as a J-2 dependent) during participation in the VIF Program. There are significantly higher costs for each additional person you bring (spouse/children), such as insurance, food, housing, childcare and additional travel costs. One or two persons can live comfortably on one teacher's salary, assuming that there are no outstanding financial obligations at home.
In many cases, children of VIF teachers can attend the school where their parents teach. However, after accepting a position, you should contact the school to find out its enrollment requirements. In many public school systems, the school that a child attends is determined by where they live, so you may want to consider this when choosing housing.
As a VIF teacher, you will have an opportunity to work and interact with many new and exciting people everyday. You will have the opportunity to build a social network and become engaged in the cross-cultural experience almost immediately. If you have school-age children, they will have the same opportunity. Spouses are often the ones that have a more difficult time, especially when they do not work.
Family Employment Possibilities
To work once in the U.S., any eligible family members (on a J-2 visa) must apply for 1) work authorization through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and 2) a Social Security Number through the Social Security Administration. Appropriate work authorization forms must be submitted by postal mail once you are in the United States. Please be aware that this process may take 90 days or longer.
J-2 Visa
Eligible Dependents must apply for the J-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of citizenship or legal residency. A J-2 visa will allow the family member(s) to enter the U.S. as dependents of the J-1 visa holder. If you plan to bring your family to the U.S. you should inform your VIF Advisor, so they can prepare the necessary paperwork.
*Dependents who marry or who turn age 21 during the course of the Program will need to leave the US and obtain their own visa, as they will no longer be eligible for sponsorship in J-2 status.
