Dependents of international students and scholars have certain immigration regulations that they must follow in order to maintain their immigration status. This includes employment and study eligibility, travel requirements, and health insurance. Please review the information below for a brief overview of these requirements.

Health Insurance for Dependents

Students

CSU does not offer a spouse or dependent health insurance plan.

Scholars

Scholars who are eligible for CSU employee health insurance may enroll their spouse and children dependents as well.

Why are families excluded from CSU Health Insurance?

CSU does not provide an insurance plan to spouses and dependents of students.  This policy was implemented because the cost of CSU insurance for spouse and dependents was significantly more than the cost of insurance on the open market. Spouses and children would find better prices for health insurance from other providers than they would through CSU.

Health Insurance Options

The CSU Health Network website lists multiple venues in which to explore health insurance options and to receive quotes. The Colorado Insurance Exchange will be implemented in accordance with federal health care reform and more options may be available. If you have non-resident status, visit your home state website for insurance options. If your home state does not have an insurance exchange, you can access the federal insurance exchange at www.healthcare.gov.  Additionally, you may request individual assistance by contacting Lynne Bunn, Manager of Student Insurance by email or 970-491-7806.  Below are some examples of insurance options.

• Colorado Health Program for families (CHP+)
• Rocky Mountain Health Plan
• Anthem Clear Protection 1000
• Connect for Health Colorado

Finding Healthcare

To find doctors in the area, inquire at the CSU Health Network at 970-491-7121, at the Poudre Valley Hospital at 495-7000, or an online for “Fort Collins Physicians.”

Employment For Dependents

• F-2 Dependents: your F-2 dependents may not work nor apply for work permission under any circumstances.
• J-2 Dependents: may apply for work permission from the USCIS only if the income earned is to be used for support of the spouse or children, not for support of the J-1 student or scholar.
  • Please note: J-2 dependents who seek employment will not be able to obtain a Social Security number unless in possession of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Unlike J-1 Exchange Visitors, J-2 dependents are subject to Social Security taxes. They are also subject to federal income taxes and, where applicable, state income taxes.
• H-4 Dependents: may not work unless the H-1B principal is the beneficiary of an approved I-140 immigrant petition and the H-4 has an approved employment authorization document (EAD card).
• O-3 Dependents:may not work nor apply for work permission.
• E-3 Dependents: dependent spouses may apply for work permission from USCIS.
• TD Dependents: may not work nor apply for work permission.

Attending School

• F-2 Dependents: Spouses may enroll in part-time classes and children may only be enrolled full-time in a K-12 education program. This is a great way to get family members involved and engaged–consider language classes, cooking classes, or another topic of interest. Make sure to speak with an International Advisor before your spouse enrolls in any coursework.
• J-2, H-4, O-3, E-3 and TD Dependents: There are no study restrictions.

Secondary and Primary School for Dependent Children

To enroll your children in Poudre School District, please obtain the following documents from your home country:

• An official birth certificate, a signed hospital certificate, or a passport as valid proof of your child’s birth date
• Official copies of the child’s school records
• All immunization records with names and dates of vaccines received.

Required immunization for all school-aged children are diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio. In addition, some children from outside the United States must be screened for active tuberculosis infection.

Poudre School District will provide recommendations for a school close to your residence, but you must enroll your child at the individual school site. Bring the most recent immunization record of your child. School term: late August – early June. Children ages 6-18 years.

Day Care Centers

This list is not all-inclusive and is suitable for children 6 years old and younger.

• Young People’s Learning Center
• United Day Care Center
• University Children’s Center

Traveling as a Dependent

Spouses and dependent family members are required to have a travel signature on their valid I-20 or DS-2019 before leaving the US if they intend to travel internationally. Please come to Laurel Hall to meet with an International Advisor during Open Advising hours if you have questions about your upcoming travel or need a travel signature.

International travel also requires a valid passport and visa to re-enter the U.S.

Please note: If you will be traveling near a U.S. holiday, you will want to provide enough time for our office to process your travel signature request. Holiday seasons tend to be extra busy around campus and we encourage students to plan well in advance for any travel they might be participating in. Travel within the U.S. does not require a travel signature.