Gather documentation

• Passport identification page for each dependent

• Certifications

  • marriage license for spouse or proof of marriage

    1. If you are going home to get married and want the DS-2019 before, please contact us.

  • birth certificate for child

• Acknowledgement of Family Support form

Fill out the Dependent Details Information  and upload the documentation

• The Ivanhoe International Center staff will work on the newDS-2019(s). Once we have completed this, we will contact you.

Make sure to research the U.S. Embassy in your home country to see exactly what is needed for the visa interview.

Common documentation include:

• Valid passport

• Photographs

• J-2 dependent SEVIS Form DS-2019

• Visa application fee

• Visa application forms

• Supporting documentation. Can include

  • copies of the F-1 student's immigration documents

  • proof of student status via letter from the school

  • financial documentation

We have a International Travel Resources page to assist you.

Make sure to purchase insurance for each dependent by the time they arrive in the US. This is part of the Acknowledgement of Family Support document you signed.

You can find a list of insurance providers for F-2 dependents.

The South Dakota Board of Regents requires dependents of international students (F-1 and J-1) to have proof of insurance and must submit this to their university representative by the census date, as outlined in the academic calendar. If the F-1/J-1 student and their dependents are not covered by this date, will be withdrawn from the university.

South Dakota Board of Regents requirements for the F-2/J-2 dependent:

• Coverage Dates – Valid policy coverage dates for the effective semester(s).

• Coverage – Coverage valid in South Dakota for outpatient care, hospitalization, emergency room, accidents, medical and surgery needs to be provided.

• Medical Benefits – Minimum $500,000 USD coverage; medical benefits of at least $100,000 USD per accident or illness.

• Repatriation of Remains – At least $25,000 USD coverage for repatriation.

• Medical Evacuation – Expenses associated with the medical evacuation to his or her home country included -- $50,000 USD minimum.

• Deductible – Not to exceed $500 USD per accident or illness.

• Medical Coverage – At least 75% coverage for each accident or illness.

• Reimbursement – Health plan has a non-reimbursement policy. This means that all medical bills must be paid DIRECTLY by the insurance company to the medical provider, including all medical providers in South Dakota.

• Miscellaneous – The Plan must be in compliance with USCIS Insurance Requirements: 22 CFR 62.14 (link external).

You and your family need to check in with the Ivanhoe International Center at least two day after arrival. Please make an appointment and bring the following documents:

• I-20

• passport and visa

• I-94 record (we can print this)

• Proof of insurance - please upload this here