J-2: Family of the J-1

The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the J-1 Exchange Visitor are eligible for J-2 dependent status. Although dependents usually enter as J-2's, they are not required to do so. They may enter in other visa classifications for which they qualify, such as F-1, J-1, B-2 or H-1B.

Each J-2 dependent must be in possession of a DS-2019 form. To request a DS-2019 for a dependent who did not accompany the J-1 to the U.S., complete the Request for Family DS-2019 and submit it to ISS. DS-2019's for family members can be issued only if funding for their support ($1000 per month for the spouse, $500 per month each child) is adequate.

Departments are charged $95 by Cost Transfer Invoice (CTI) for each DS-2019 form requested. If the validity dates of the DS-2019 form exceed one year, an additional $95 charge will be assessed for each year the form covers. Budget documentation will be sent to the Budget Contact listed on the UW 1025-J Visa Request Form. Departments may request reimbursement of the fee from the Exchange Visitor.

Dependents in J-2 status may request employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Income from the J-2'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 the income is needed to support the J-1. Employment may be authorized up to twelve months and may be renewed annually provided the J-1 is maintaining status. J-2s are subject to social security and federal income taxes. The J-2 will not be able to obtain a Social Security number unless in possession of an EAD.

There is no restriction on study for persons holding J-2 status.

A J-2 who travels outside the United States for a temporary visit follows the same procedures as the J-1.

A problematic situation arises when the J-1 travels outside the U.S., leaving the J-2 in the U.S. Since the J-2's stay in the U.S. is valid only while the J-1 maintains status here, it is not legitimate for the J-2 to remain in the U.S. while the J-1 is outside the U.S. for more than just a few days.

The duration of the J-1's program is stated in item 3 of the DS-2019. ISS has the discretion to extend a J-1's program participation to the limit allowed by law (six months for Short Term Scholars, five years for Professors and Research Scholars). The J-2's period of stay is automatically extended with the J-1.

A J-2's status in the U.S. terminates when the J-1's status terminates. A child's J-2 status terminates upon reaching his or her 21st birthday.

The J-2 is subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement if the J-1 is subject to that requirement. If the J-1 applies for and receives a waiver of the two-year requirement, the waiver also covers the J-2, unless the J-2 has a separate home residence requirement based on his or her own previous J-1 status. In some cases, a J-2 can get a waiver independent of the J-1.