J-2 Dependent(s)

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. 

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 exchange visitor program.

To request a DS-2019 for a dependent spouse and/or child (unmarried minor under 21 years of age), you must submit the J-2 Dependent Request (available in the J-1 Scholar Services section of the MyISSS portal).

  • There are four e-forms in the the J-2 Dependent Request that must be submitted in order.
    • Within 2-5 business days of submitting Part 1 of the J-2 Dependent Request, ISSS will review the e-form, approve it, and send you an email with the estimated funding amount required for adding dependent(s) to your J-1 SEVIS record.
      • This action will unlock the J-2 Financial Support Documentation Submission Form.
    • The final e-form cannot be accessed until all the other e-forms in the request have been submitted.
  • Each e-form is required; ISSS will not process an incomplete J-2 Dependent Request.

Documentation Required for the J-2 Dependent Request

  • Clear photocopy of dependent(s)’ passport ID page(s)
  • Official financial support documentation (ISSS will provide financial estimate)

J-2 Dependent Check-In

If your dependent(s) join you for your initial entry to the U.S. for the J-1 exchange visitor program:

  • You will report their arrival and submit their I-94 arrival record in the Immigration Check-In e-form you submit upon arriving in the U.S. 

If your dependent(s) join you after your initial entry to the U.S. for the J-1 exchange visitor program:

  • You must submit the J-2 Dependent Immigration Check-In e-form (available in the J-1 Scholar Services section of the MyISSS portal).

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  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).