A J-2 dependent's status is linked to the J-1 principal participant’s legal status and thus dependents will have the same program end date as the J-1 principal participant.
- If the J-1 principal participant is subject to the 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirement, J-2 dependents are automatically subject to that requirement as well.
- If the J-1 principal participant is subject to a 12-month bar and/or 24-month bar on participating in a Research Scholar or Professor program, J-2 dependents are subject to the bar as well.
Requesting a DS-2019 for J-2 Dependents
You can request a DS-2019 for a J-2 dependent at the time of requesting an initial DS-2019 for the J-1 program or at any point during the J program.
To request a DS-2019 for a dependent spouse and/or child (unmarried minor under 21 years of age), submit the following to ISSS:
- Completed Dependent Request Form
- Clear photocopy of dependent(s)’ passport ID page(s)
- Clear photocopy of marriage certificate, birth certificate, or certificate of adoption
- Proof of financial support (see request form for amount)
- Updated J-1 Insurance Compliance Form
- Dependents must have sufficient insurance coverage from their date of entry into the U.S. until the end of the J program
Terminating J-2 Dependent Status
Once a dependent obtains J-2 status, ISSS will only terminate the dependent SEVIS record if credible evidence of one of the following events is submitted:
- Legal divorce (if the dependent is the J-1 exchange visitor's spouse)
- Death
- The dependent requests termination of his/her SEVIS record.
Please submit proof of change of status or departure from the U.S. (e.g., home country entry stamp) to ISSS.
Studying in J-2 Status
J-2 spouses and minor children may enroll in school at any level without having to change status. Full-time or part-time, and recreational or degree-seeking study is allowable.
Employment Authorization in J-2 Status
J-2 dependents are eligible to apply to USCIS for employment authorization so long as the employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1 principal participant. The J-2 dependent may begin employment only after receiving the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. This application must be filed by the J-2 dependent; ISSS is not responsible for submitting the application to USCIS.
Travel in J-2 Status
J-2 dependents may travel independently of the J-1 principal participant or remain in the U.S. while the J-1 primary travels outside the U.S. as long as J-1 principal participant’s absence is brief and temporary and everyone is maintaining valid J status. If the J-2 dependent(s) will depart the U.S. prior to the end date of the J-1 principal participant and will not return prior to J-1 principal participant’s program end date, this must be reported to ISSS so that the SEVIS record can be updated. This is a regulatory requirement.
When seeking re-entry to the U.S., dependents must present: their DS-2019 with current travel signature, valid passport, valid visa (exception: Automatic Visa Revalidation), and may be asked to provide proof of the J-1’s status (e.g., copies of the J-1 documents).