Family members planning to accompany you to the United States can apply for a visa based on their legal relationship to you. Only your spouse and children will qualify for this type of visa, and your children must be under age twenty-one. They would receive an F-2, J-2, or M-2 visa depending on whether you are awarded an F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa (the consular officer will make the decision depending on your type of academic/exchange program).

In a majority of cases, visas are awarded or denied to all based on the primary applicant’s ability to demonstrate his or her seriousness as a student, financial resources to pay for U.S. study/living expenses, and the intent to return to the home country after study is completed.

Keep in mind the added cost of living for taking family members to the United States. You must be able to provide proof of sufficient financial resources at the time of visa application.  Family members will not be allowed to work at all under U.S. visa regulations while in the United States and work hours allowed for students are limited, so the funds required will be substantial. Scholarships are also almost always designed to support a single person rather than a family.

In addition, some consular officers may determine that having your family in the United States is likely to lessen your ties to Iran and make it more likely that you will not return there. You need to show country ties and a realistic plan for after graduation to the consular officer that will demonstrate that you are not planning to immigrate.

While you may prefer to have your family with you during your studies in the United States, consider whether bringing them is feasible for you as you strive to achieve your U.S. study goals.