Spouses and Children
- How do I obtain a Duke ID card for my spouse?
- The Duke Card gives you access to the gyms, tennis courts, swimming pools and libraries on campus.
To obtain a Duke ID or a Duke Spouse Card you need to go to the Duke Card Office located in Room 100 of the West Union Building (West Campus). Visit http://dukecard.duke.edu for more information on what the card is used for, location of the office and updated fees.
All spouses must bring the following when applying for a Duke ID:
1. Your spouse (the husband or wife who is a student or scholar)
2. Proof of his or her affiliation with Duke University
3. Marriage Certificate
4. Photo ID (passport)
5. $5 (paying in cash is best) - Can a J-2 visa holder get help with language from International House?
Not formal help, but we have two informal/social gatherings for practicing spoken English. There is English Conversation Club every Monday evening from 5:15pm to 6:15pm and Spouses English Hour every week usually in the mornings. For Spouses English Hour days/times please email Joanne.napoli@verizon.net
We also have a list of local tutors if you are looking for personal instruction. There are a few organizations that offer free English classes, but they fill up quickly. To find out more check out our handouts on English Opportunities.
- As a J-2 visa holder, do I need a Social Security number (SSN) to open a bank account, get a cell phone contract or driver's license?
You do not need a Social Security Number for most things. You should be able to give your passport number instead. For some companies, you may have to pay extra in the form of a deposit for utilities, etc., but you should be able to acquire most things that you need without an SSN. One thing that you will not be able to obtain without a SSN though, is a cell phone contract. Of course you can get a non-contract cell phone but it will cost you more than a contract cell phone would.
Even if you are asked for a SSN, for example at the Department of Motor Vehicles, this does not mean that you are required to have one. It may mean that if you do have one, the company would like to have your number for their records.
See our handouts on Utilities (found under Housing), Cell Phones, etc. at: