International Partners

Visas, Banking, & Social Security Cards

Visas for Partners

If an international student has a J-1 visa, his/her spouse can get a J-2 visa. The J-2 is the only visa that will allow you to work after being authorized. You may apply for work and, if sponsored by the company, change your visa status to a different visa. You will need to consult with Harvard International Office (HIO) and retain the services of a lawyer who specializes in the application process as failure to be approved means you cannot reapply for this position.

A J-2 visa holder may apply to the USCIS for work permission after arriving in the United States. Processing the application could take up to four months. Those who wish to apply for work permission should inquire at the HIO after arriving at Harvard. Contact the Harvard International Office at the Holyoke Center for more information at 617-495-2789.

If you are an F-2 visa holder, you are permitted to offer only voluntary services or you may study. Volunteer Solutions offers an exhaustive list of voluntary services in various fields. You can apply for work, but have to be hired and then sponsored by the company and then you must change your visa before commencing work. You will also need to also consult with HIO and retain the services of a lawyer who specializes in the application process as the same penalty of failure applies as above.

Students qualify for a J visa if they take a substantial loan from Citibank. Be sure to inquire about the terms.

Mandatory Insurance Requirements: J-1 & J-2 Visa Holders
Pursuant to the U.S. Department of State regulations and the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations governing Exchange Visitor Programs (22CFR514.14), all J-1 and accompanying J-2 family members are required to obtain health, accident, medical evacuation and repatriation of remains insurance coverage while in the United States. The insurance policies must cover the exchange visitor and all accompanying dependents.

Minimum health insurance coverage must provide:
1) Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
2) Repatriation or remains in the amount of $7,500;
3) Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his/her home country in the amount of $10,000;
4) A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.

The insurance policy must be underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of "A-"or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating "A-" or above, a Standard & Poor’s Claims-Paying Ability of "A-" or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of "B+" or above, or such other rating services as the Department of State may from time to time specify. Insurance coverage backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country shall be deemed to meet this requirement.

**It should be noted that Harvard’s own coverage does not meet these requirements but has been given a waiver that allows them to qualify.

International Partner Bank Accounts

To get a joint bank account with your student, you will need your passports, marriage certificate, your address in the US, the acceptance letter from HBS, and some money to open the account ($200 US).

Social Security Number

To get a social security number, bring your visa and passport to the Social Security Office in Porter Square, Cambridge 1-800-772-1213. The forms and information can be viewed online at Social Security Online