Office of International Education

Information for Spouses and Families

There are many resources available for international spouses and families in Pittsburgh both on and off the Carnegie Mellon campus.  Some of these resources are listed below.  For more information about resources or other issues that affect spouses and families, please speak with an OIE advisor or attend a Carnegie Mellon International Spouse and Partner’s Organization (ISPO) event.

Carnegie Mellon Affiliate Identification (ID) Card

The Affiliate ID card allows spouses and partners to access Carnegie Mellon’s campus.  To obtain this card for a spouse or partner, a student must be enrolled for the current academic year in a full-time graduate degree program; scholars must be paid by the University and receive benefits.  The Affiliate Card is not available to family members of scholars who do not receive benefits through CMU’s Human Resources office.  The card is valid for one year and is available through the Card Office, Warner Hall, lower level.

Email:
Phone: (412) 268-5224.
http://www.cmu.edu/idplus/idcards/cardtypes.html.

Campus Activities Using Affiliate ID Card

A list of the benefits available to a dependent with an Affiliate ID is available on the following website:  http://hr.web.cmu.edu/  and more specifically: http://hr.web.cmu.edu/current/work-life/social/#idcard
Highlights from this website include:

  • Athletic facilities: Use the athletic facilities at Carnegie Mellon when classes are not in progress. A valid ID card is required. Most facilities are available free of charge.
  • Social events: Purchase tickets to university-sponsored events (such as concerts, films and athletic events) with a valid ID card, providing the social event is not restricted to student participation only. Tickets are usually available for a nominal charge or are free of charge.
  • Book Store: Receive a 10% discount on the purchase of trade books at the Carnegie Mellon Bookstore.
  • Drama Department: Faculty and staff, their families and registered domestic partners receive discounts on all regular productions. Call the Box Office at (412) 268-2407 for more details.
  • Library Facilities: Borrow books from the university libraries with a valid ID card. The loan period is three weeks for each book, with up to two renewals.
  • Schatz Dining Room: Dues-paying Faculty Club members are able to use the facility, and have guest privileges
  • COMING IN AUGUST 2006: The card will link with your PNC bank account, enabling it to be used as an ATM/debit card. In addition, the card will reflect your eligibility for the PAT Bus benefit - no stickers needed.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Resources

The Intercultural Communication Center offers language training to all non-native English speaking Carnegie Mellon students, but NOT to spouses or relatives.  However, information about other organizations in Pittsburgh that offer language training is available on the ICC website at: http://www.cmu.edu/icc/family/index.shtml and at Global Pittsburgh: http://www.globalpittsburgh.org/.  Information about two such ESL programs that are free of charge can be found on the following websites:

Organizations for Spouses

Many spouses and partners become involved in the Carnegie Mellon International Spouses and Partners Organization (ISPO) and the International Women’s Association of Pittsburgh. 

The Carnegie Mellon International Spouses and Partners Organization (ISPO) provides opportunities for spouses and partners from different cultural backgrounds to share their cultures, enjoy social activities, and make friends.  For more information call Lisa Krieg at 412-268-7595.

The International Women’s Association of Pittsburgh (http://www.iwap.tk) offers English conversation classes, international cooking, crafts, and programs about world customs and culture.  The group meets at the First Baptist Church in Oakland (They meet at the church because it is a convenient location.  This is not a religious organization).  For more information, call 724-554-0655, 412-828-4663 (French), 412-422-7264(Chinese), 412-531-0179 (German), 412-421-5159(Japanese), 412-745-8712(Korean), 412-683-1691(Spanish) or 412-682-6276 (Urdu/Hindi) or email at: .

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to participate in volunteer work:

CMU CYERT Center for Early Education
Carla Freund or Melinda Droulia, 412-268-2149
Pittsburgh Council for International Visitors
412-392-4513
Allegheny County Court Appointed Special Advocates
412-594-3606
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh  
412-622-8821
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
412-622-3359
American Red Cross 
412-263-3100 or 888-217-9599
Allegheny County United Way
412-255-1155
Pittsburgh Cares
412-471-2114

For further information on volunteer services, see the Blue Pages in the Bell Atlantic phone directory or ask for more information from your foreign student and scholar advisor. 

Social Security Number (SSN) for Your Spouse

Individuals in F-2, J-2 or H-4 status are not eligible for Social Security Numbers (SSNs) in most cases.  Only J-2s who have applied for and been granted work authorization are eligible to apply for a SSN. 

Driver’s License or Pennsylvania State Identification (ID) for Your Spouse

F-2, J-2, and H-4 visa holders are eligible to apply for a driver’s license or Pennsylvania State ID even without a Social Security Number, as long as there is one year or more remaining on the non-immigrant documents.  A dependent goes to the Social Security Administration (with original immigration documents) to apply for a SSN.  The application will be reviewed and denied resulting in a SSN denial letter.  Dependents must take this denial letter when they apply for the driver’s license or State ID  Dependents must request a Driver’s License Letter from OIE before going to the PENNDOT office.  Please refer to the OIE handout about applying for a Driver’s License. 

Employment Authorization

Dependents in J-2 status may obtain employment authorization and legally work in the US.  Employment authorization must be obtained prior to beginning employment.  Applications and instructions are available online or from OIE.  Dependents in F-2, H-4 or TD status may not legally work in the US.

Last Updated February 13, 2008