J-2 Dependents:
Who is eligible | Funding
for dependents | Entry into
the U.s. | Employment of J-2
dependents
Who is eligible ?
The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the J-1 exchange visitor. This does not include U.S. citizens (i.e. children born in the U.S.).
Other family members, such as parents, brothers, sister, etc. are NOT eligible. However, they may be eligible for short-term visits as B-2 or WT tourists
Although dependents usually enter as J-2 dependents, they are not required to do so. They may enter as tourists or in other visa classes for which they qualify.
Funding for dependents
The J-1 is required to show adequate funding for their dependents before the appropriate documentation needed for entry can be issued. Funding requirements are:
- Dependent $642/month
- Dependents $902/month
- Dependents $1110/month
- Dependents $1323/month
- Dependents $1530/month
Health Insurance
The J-1 is required to provide their dependents with adequate health insurance, as required by the J-1 insurance regulations. See J Health Insurance for more information.
Entry into the U.S
The J-2 dependent can either accompany the J-1 visitor when they enter
the U.S. or may join the J-1 at a later date. Each dependent needs to
have a dependent DS-2019 to enter the US in J-2 status.
- Dependent accompanying J-1 on initial entry
If J-2 dependents come to the US with the J-1 visitor starting his or her J-1 program, the J-2s’ DS-2019s must be requested upon the J-1’s initial DS-2019 request. Each J-2’s information must be provided in the UMN Department Request for DS-2019, which is submitted to ISSS by the J-1’s UMN hosting department.
- Dependent joining J-1 at a later date.
If J-2 dependents will join the J-1 visitor in the US after his or her J-1 program has already started, the J-1 should download and complete the J-2 Dependent DS-2019 Request form. Once completed, the J-1 will have to come to ISSS to submit the application and additional documentation as requested on the application, to a J-1 adviser in person.
Employment
of J-2 dependents
J-2 dependents are allowed to work. However, they are required to apply for employment authorization from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in order to perform any type of employment in the U.S.
J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to DHS for employment authorization as long as the employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1. J-2's may not begin employment until they receive a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the DHS.
If the J-2 is interested in applying for work permission, he or she may download the application for J-2 work permission . As explained in the instructions, this application is sent by the J-2 directly to DHS, Nebraska Service Center, for approval. The application process takes 1-4 months (3 months is the average processing time).
Please Note: J-2 dependents may not serve as "volunteers" in positions where others receive compensation to perform the same services.
Study in J-2 Status
J-2’s are allowed to study (part-time or full-time).
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