We assume the stipend and tuition waiver of a supported student will continue. Make sure you include a set of financial documents with the I-20. The cost of living at Stony Brook is very high and F-2 dependents are not allowed employment. Financial stress can break a marriage. The United States does not have socialized medicine.
Premiums are expensive for dependents.
Health care costs can amount to thousands of dollars for just a few days of hospitalized illness. Spouses and children may face serious adjustment difficulties in areas of language, travel, socializing shopping, education and recreations. Students may find their families making severe demands for attention and assistance. Spouses of international students may experience frequent periods of isolation and feelings of neglect as students pursue required courses of study and work. The pressure of examinations, term papers, and other academic assignments may make it difficult for a student to meet the responsibilities of spouse, parent and students, consequently straining family relationships.