J-2 Dependent
Overview
Only the spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) who accompany the primary J-1 visa holder to the U.S. may receive J-2 dependent status. Their eligibility to stay legally in the U.S., as well as to extend their stay, is contingent upon the primary visa holder maintaining his/her legal status and extending his/her program in a timely manner.
All other family members must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor's visa to gain entry to the U.S.
J-2 Dependents
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 SEVIS Form DS-2019 issued in his or her own name and a J-2 visa.
The J-2 dependent SEVIS record and Form DS-2019 is managed by the institution that issues the J-1 student's SEVIS record and DS-2019.
Documents Needed to Apply for an J-2 Visa at a US Embassy or Consulate
- Valid passport
- Photographs
- J-2 dependent SEVIS Form DS-2019
- Visa application fee
- Visa application forms (https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/)
- Supporting documentation, including copies of the J-1 student's immigration documents, proof of student status, and financial documentation
Important Information about J-2 Status
Since J-2 status is tied to the J-1 status, once the J-1 student has completed his or her studies and has left the U.S., the J-2 dependents must leave as well. At the end of the J-1 program, there is a 30-day grace period during which the J-1/J-2 may stay in the U.S. Once the J-1 primary leaves the U.S., the J-2 dependents must leave as well.
Dependent children over age 21 are no longer eligible to J-2 status and will need to change to another status such as J-1 (for full time students) if they wish to stay in the U.S.
Employment
J-2 work permits are obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) through an application process that takes an average of 3-5 months to process. Employment may not begin until the J-2 has received the work permit, called the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The EAD allows the J-2 dependent to work in any job, full-time or part-time. Employment cannot extend beyond the end date on the EAD. Extensions of the EAD are possible, up to the end date on the DS-2019. Please note that the extension process also takes an average of 3-5 months, so plan ahead if employment needs to be continuous (without any gaps between work authorization periods).
There are increased risks of traveling outside of the U.S. while your EAD application is pending. Please consult with ISS before planning international travel during this period.
Study
J-2 dependents are eligible for part-time or full-time study at every level of education. However, Widener International Student Services recommends that a J-2 visitor who plans to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree speak with an adviser about the benefits of changing status to a student visa.
Contact the International Student Advisors for more information.