Dependents

Dependent Form DS-2019

If your immediate family (spouse and minor unmarried children under 21) did not accompany you to the U.S. but will be entering the U.S. at a later date, they will need to obtain a dependent DS-2019 to use to apply for a J-2 visa. Please note that married children and children 21 years of age or older are not eligible for J-2 visas.

J-2 Employment

U.S. Immigration regulations permit J-2 visa holders to request permission to work in the U.S. by filing Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your J-2 dependents would like to work in the U.S. or need to extend their J-2 work authorization, the J-2 must submit the request directly to USCIS. OIS can only give you the information on how a J-2 visa holder may apply to USCIS, but our office cannot assisting you with filing the request on the J-2’s behalf. Keep in mind that J-2 dependents cannot begin employment until receipt of the Employment Authorization Documentation (EAD).

J-2 Enrollment in School

J-2s are permitted to attend school in the U.S. on a full-time or part-time basis.

Consequences of J-1 Departing the U.S.

The J-2 cannot remain in the U.S. when the J-1 Exchange Visitor departs the U.S. unless the J-1 will be outside the U.S. for 30 days or less.  The impact of a J-1’s departure should be considered before the J-2 undertakes employment or enrolls in classes.