Family

Your dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) 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 deliver it to ISO, room 239 Gerberding Hall. DS-2019's for family members can be issued only if the funding for their support and required health insurance are adequate.

The J-2's status remains valid only while the J-1 is in the U.S. Therefore it is not appropriate for your J-2 spouse or children to remain in the U.S. if you will be out of the U.S. for more than just a few days.

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

Many childcare services are available on-campus and in the community.

To enroll your children in school, contact one of the Seattle Public Schools Enrollment Service Centers. Be prepared to produce your child's immunization records, verification of date of birth, and prior academic records.

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

J-2s may apply to USCIS for employment authorization. The J-2 may begin employment only after receiving employment authorization. Employment will not be authorized if the income is needed to support the J-1.

The Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS), a community organization located on the University of Washington campus, provides a variety of activities designed to enhance interactions between UW internationals and Americans. FIUTS offers programs of special interest to spouses of students and scholars from abroad. Opportunities include conversation groups, cooking classes, and trips and tours.

The J-2 is subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement if the J-1 is subject to that requirement. If you apply for and receive 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.