J-2 Dependents

• Adding a J-2 Dependent

  
  Adding a J-2 Dependent

  Only the spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of a J-1 visa holder may apply for J-2 dependent status. Their eligibility to stay legally in the U.S. is dependent upon the J-1 maintaining their legal status.

  All other family members must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor's visa to gain entry to the U.S.

  Initial J-1 Scholars/Interns

   If a scholar/intern is applying for their own initial DS-2019 and will be accompanied by dependent(s), they need to be sure to include dependent information and adequate funding in the appropriate section of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Request.

  Continuing Students

  Step 1: Prepare your documents

  To request a J-2 DS-2019 you will need:

  • A copy of the biographic page of each dependent’s passport.
  • Verification of an additional $9,000 per year for your spouse and an additional $5,000 per year for each child.

  • Proof of health insurance. Department of State federally mandates all J-1 and J-2 status holders to carry adequate health insurance coverage. The J-1 scholar/intern must purchase insurance for themselves and any J-2 dependents immediately upon arrival in the U.S. 

  Step 2: Submit the 'Dependent DS-2019 Request" in accessVIS

  Login to accessVIS and submit the "Dependent DS-2019 Request" in accessVIS.

  Note: The Dependent(s): Biographical Information form may be submitted multiple times, once for each individual dependent requiring an DS-2019.

  Step 3: Receive your dependent's DS-2019

  Upon submission of the required documents and sufficient proof of funding, an International Student Advisor will prepare a dependent DS-2019 marked "for use by dependents." 

  The J-2 dependent DS-2019 should be signed by the J-1 student.

  Step 4: Your dependent must apply for a J-2 visa

  Once your J-2 dependent has received their DS-2019 from Stony Brook University, they will need to apply for a J-2 visa at their local U.S. Embassy.

  Step 5: Report the arrival of your J-2 dependent

  Once your dependent receives a J-2 visa and enters the U.S. or receives the change of status approval notice by mail, you must provide copies of their immigration documents to VIS by submitting the "Immigration Intake for J-2 Dependents" in accessVIS.

  Report your dependent's arrival

  Once your dependent receives a J-2 visa and enters the U.S. or receives the change of status approval notice by mail, you must submit copies of their immigration documents (DS-2019, passport, J-2 visa and I-94 or change of status approval notice) to VIS by submitting the "Immigration Intake for J-2 Dependents" in accessVIS.

  Health Insurance

  J-2 dependents must obtain and maintain health insurance that meets these minimum requirements set by the Department of State (DOS). All J-1s must maintain health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members for the duration of their Exchange Visitor Program. If a J-2 dependent arrives in the U.S. after the J-1 Exchange visitor, they must be added to the J-1’s health insurance.  Once the J-2 arrives in the U.S and reports their arrival, health insurance must be maintained while the J-1 is in active status.  If your dependents will spend occasional periods of time in the U.S, please contact a VIS advisor to discuss other immigration options.

  Travel

  J-2 dependents must have a valid travel signature from a VIS advisor before traveling outside the U.S.  J-2 dependents are allowed to travel outside of the J-1 exchange visitor, however it is not recommended for the J-1 exchange visitor to travel and leave their dependents in the U.S.
  
  

  Report Changes to VIS
  If your dependent departs the U.S. permanently or changes their immigration status, you must report their departure/change of status to VIS. To do so, submit the Removal of J-2 Dependent request form in accessVIS

• Work Authorization & Study

  
  Work Authorization & Study
  
  

  Work Authorization

  J-2 dependents may apply for permission to work in the United States (also referred to as an Employment Authorization Document or EAD). Note that a J-2 dependent cannot work until s/he receives the physical EAD from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

  Income from the spouse's or dependent'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 this income is needed to support the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

  Please contact a VIS advisor if your J-2 dependents would like to apply for an EAD card.

  Study in J-2 Status

  J-2 dependents are permitted to enroll in elementary or secondary schools while in the U.S.  Furthermore, regulations do not prohibit dependents from engaging in post-secondary study on a full-time basis, as long as their primary purpose in the U.S. is to accompany the J-1 status holder.

  For information about enrolling your child in a public elementary or secondary school, contact your local school district.

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  Employment

  J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization from USCIS as long as their employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1.