J-2 Dependents
- Overview
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.
Report any 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-
Don't forget to 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.
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- Adding a J-2 Dependent
Adding a J-2 Dependent
The spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the J-1 student may be admitted into the U.S. in J-2 classification if each dependent presents a DS-2019 issued in their own name and a J-2 visa.
Initial J-1 Scholars/InternsIf 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 StudentsStep 1: Prepare your documentsTo 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 accessVISLogin 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-2019Upon 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 visaOnce 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 dependentOnce 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.
- Work & Study
Study 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.
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.