Resources for Families

Many of our international students and scholars travel to Denver with their families. This page will provide some important resources for those families.

  • What is a dependent?

    For the purposes of immigration, a dependent is a child (under the age of 21) or a spouse who will join you in the U.S. as your immigration dependent.

    Principle StatusDependent Status
    F-1F-2
    J-1J-2
    H-1BH-4
    TNTD

    If you have a family member that doesn't qualify to be a dependent (for example, a child over the age of 21, brother, mother, cousin, etc.) or one who does qualify but will only join you in the U.S. for a short period of time, that person might qualify to enter the U.S. in B2 or WT status. See the section "Inviting Family and Guests to the U.S.".

  • Registration Requirement

    DHS requires all non-immigrants in the U.S. to complete a registration. The rule includes those with F-2, J-2, or H-4 visas, or other dependent children. 

    Key points:

    • A valid I-94 record fulfills the requirements for registration for those who entered the U.S. after turning 14 years old or for those who are currently under 14 years old. Be sure all family members carry their I-94 record anytime they are outside the house. 
    • For those who arrive in the U.S. before turning 14, the child must re-register with USICS within 30 days of reaching their 14th birthday. 
    • If your child needs to re-register upon turning 14 years old, you as the parent can create a myUSICS account at https://my.uscis.gov/​ and then complete the Form G-325R Biographic Information (Registration). 
    • You must update your U.S. residential address within 10 days of any change
      • F and J students - My4D by updating the Mailing Address in your contact information
      • J scholars - email ISSS  
      • Other non-immigrants such as H-1B - submit USCIS Form AR-11 
  • Childcare & K-12 Schools
    Childcare

    To locate quality childcare options for your children who are not school-age, search Colorado Shines. 

    K-12 Schools

    If you have school-aged children, you live in Denver and you intend to enroll them in a Public School, your children must meet certain age and residence requirements.

    See below for websites on local public schools:

    Denver Public Schools
    Aurora Public Schools

    Private schools exist in the Denver area, too. Many of them enroll students on a fee-paying basis. Please see the following web sites for more information on Denver area schools, public and private: https://www.greatschools.org/colorado/denver/schools/

    Family Resources - Colorado Department of Education

    SchoolView: School and District Data