If your spouse/partner accompanies you during your stay in the U.S., you will need unique services and resources to help them feel at home. Living in one of the UO family housing units is a good way to find community and supportive resources.

Education

If they decide to pursue a degree program while in the U.S., speak with an advisor in ISSS well in advance to make sure it is legally possible to do so. For example, F-2 visa holders must change their visa status to F-1 before beginning a full-time study program. This can be a lengthy process (up to a year), and planning is necessary to make sure a change of status is completed smoothly and on time.

Employment

Getting a job in the U.S. is a good way for them to become integrated into the community and gain valuable experience. Dependents with J-2 status are allowed to apply for a work permit to work in the U.S. However, many dependent visa types are NOT allowed to have paid employment in the U.S. such as F-2 and H-4. Check with the ISSS office about your dependent’s work eligibility before he or she accepts any paid job offers.

J-2 Employment

J-2 family members (spouse or child dependents age 14+ of J-1 visa holders) are eligible to apply for a work permit and work full time in the U.S. Although J-2s are free to seek employment anywhere they like, the purpose of the employment should be for cultural enrichment and should not be based on financial need. Be aware that J-2 dependents cannot apply for a work permit until they are physically present in the U.S. and they have received an employment authorization card (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Employment authorization cards can take three or more months to process from the time of application and will need to be renewed yearly.

Unpaid or Volunteer Work

If they are not eligible for paid employment due to their visa status, unpaid or volunteer work may be a good alternative. As a volunteer, they can gain experience and become a part of the community.

Intimate Partner Violence

Intimate partner violence and emotional abuse are behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. Violence can be criminal and includes physical assault (hitting, pushing, shoving, etc.), sexual abuse (unwanted or forced sexual activity), and stalking. Although emotional, psychological and financial abuse are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to criminal violence. Although both men and women can be abused, most victims are women.

Each program listed below provides a unique environment of high quality early childhood education and care that exceeds state certification standards. Call the programs directly for information about openings and schedules:

It is important that you know some of the legal resources available to you as well as the laws designed to protect children in the U.S. Violations may result in the payment of a fine or arrest.

Accepting Public Assistance

Non-immigrants are not eligible for public assistance in the U.S., such as Medicare and Medicaid. However, the costs of health insurance for family members can be high. If you choose to risk not having health insurance coverage, you may be encouraged by medical staff to pursue public assistance. This does not necessarily mean that you are eligible. If you accept public assistance then leave the U.S. and want to return, you may be stopped at the U.S. border and denied entry until the amount of public assistance you received has been repaid.

Having A Baby & U.S. Citizenship

If you have a baby in the U.S., they will be considered a U.S. citizen. U.S. laws do not require that your baby give up citizenship from your home country (if they are considered as such by the laws of your country), but your home country may not accept the dual citizenship status. Contact your home country embassy in the U.S. to register their birth and if you have questions about citizenship. Parents of a U.S. citizen child are eligible to apply for U.S. permanent resident status when the child is 21 years old. To travel and re-enter the U.S., your child will need a U.S. passport.

U.S. Passports

Car Safety Seats

Anyone riding in a moving car must be wearing a seat belt. Children must be secured in an appropriate child passenger restraint (safety seat or booster seat) until they are at least 6 years old or weigh at least 60 lbs. Infants under 20 lbs. must be secured in a rear facing car seat.

Unattended Children

There are strict laws about leaving very young children alone, either in cars, in public, or at home. It is a crime to leave anyone in a car who is incapable of getting out without help. It is considered "child neglect" to leave very young children unattended (such as outside of a restaurant) or home alone. It is better to awaken a sleeping child than to risk their possible harm and/or face arrest.

Child Abuse

Child abuse is a very serious crime in the U.S. Child abuse is defined as any act or failure to act (neglect) on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation or any act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm. In the U.S., the following people are required by law to report suspected child abuse: Doctors, nurses, dentists, mental health professionals, social workers, teachers, day care workers, and law enforcement personnel.