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J-2 Dependents

  • Overview

    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.

    Report any 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" eForm in accessVIS.

    Don't forget to 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.

  • Adding a J-2 Dependent

    The spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the J-1 student may be admitted into the U.S. in J-2 classification if each dependent presents a DS-2019 issued in their own name and a J-2 visa.

    Initial J-1 Students

    If you are applying for your own initial DS-2019 and know that you will be accompanied by dependent(s), you must to be sure to include the required dependent information and adequate funding in the appropriate section of the  J-1 Exchange Visitor Request.

    • Verification of an additional $9,000 per year for your spouse and an additional $5,000 per year for each child is required. 
    Continuing Students
    Step 1: Prepare your documents
    Step 2: Submit your 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

     

  • J-2 Restrictions
    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.


    Study

    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.