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J-2 Dependents

  • Adding a J-2 Dependent


    Adding a J-2 Dependent

    Only the spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of a J-1 visa holder may apply for J-2 dependent status. Their eligibility to stay legally in the U.S. is dependent upon the J-1 maintaining their legal status.

    All other family members must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor's visa to gain entry to the U.S.

    Initial J-1 Scholars/Interns

     If a scholar/intern is applying for their own initial DS-2019 and will be accompanied by dependent(s), they need to be sure to include dependent information and adequate funding in the appropriate section of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Request.

    Continuing Students

    Step 1: Prepare your documents
    Step 2: Submit the 'Dependent DS-2019 Request" in accessVIS
    Step 3: Receive your dependent's DS-2019
    Step 4: Your dependent must apply for a J-2 visa
    Step 5: Report the arrival of your J-2 dependent

    Report your dependent's arrival

    Once your dependent receives a J-2 visa and enters the U.S. or receives the change of status approval notice by mail, you must submit copies of their immigration documents (DS-2019, passport, J-2 visa and I-94 or change of status approval notice) to VIS by submitting the "Immigration Intake for J-2 Dependents" in accessVIS.

    Health Insurance

    J-2 dependents must obtain and maintain health insurance that meets these minimum requirements set by the Department of State (DOS). All J-1s must maintain health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members for the duration of their Exchange Visitor Program. If a J-2 dependent arrives in the U.S. after the J-1 Exchange visitor, they must be added to the J-1’s health insurance.  Once the J-2 arrives in the U.S and reports their arrival, health insurance must be maintained while the J-1 is in active status.  If your dependents will spend occasional periods of time in the U.S, please contact a VIS advisor to discuss other immigration options.

    Travel

    J-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature from a VIS advisor before traveling outside the U.S.  J-2 dependents are allowed to travel outside of the J-1 exchange visitor, however it is not recommended for the J-1 exchange visitor to travel and leave their dependents in the U.S.

    Report Changes to VIS
    If your dependent departs the U.S. permanently or changes their immigration status, you must report their departure/change of status to VIS. To do so, submit the Removal of J-2 Dependent request form in accessVIS

  • Work Authorization & Study


    Work Authorization & Study

    Work Authorization

    J-2 dependents may apply for permission to work in the United States (also referred to as an Employment Authorization Document or EAD). Note that a J-2 dependent cannot work until s/he receives the physical EAD from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    Income from the spouse's or dependent's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

    Please contact a VIS advisor if your J-2 dependents would like to apply for an EAD card.

    Study in J-2 Status

    J-2 dependents are permitted to enroll in elementary or secondary schools while in the U.S.  Furthermore, regulations do not prohibit dependents from engaging in post-secondary study on a full-time basis, as long as their primary purpose in the U.S. is to accompany the J-1 status holder.

    For information about enrolling your child in a public elementary or secondary school, contact your local school district.


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    Employment

    J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization from USCIS as long as their employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1.