Dependent J-2 requirements

A scholar in J-1 status may choose to bring his/her family members to the United States for the duration of his/her stay. Each J-2 dependent is issued a DS-2019 in his or her own name and must obtain a valid passport and visa for entry into the U.S. The following regulations apply to J-2 dependents:

• The J-2 dependent's status is valid only if the J-1 scholar maintains status;
• Adult individuals in J-2 status may not engage in study that is not avocational or recreational;
• Children in J-2 status are permitted to attend elementary or secondary school full-time as long as their J-1 parent maintains his/her legal status;
• Should a dependent wish to study at a post-secondary school, s/he may apply for a change of status to J-1 (or F-1) but s/he is not permitted to begin full-time study until his/her status is approved by the USCIS, or s/he leaves the country and re-enters on a valid J-1 or F-1 visa;
• A J-2 dependent child must change his/her status to another appropriate visa category prior to his/her 21st birthday if s/he wishes to remain in the United States;
• A J-2 dependent may request employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service but may not engage in employment until an approval of that request is received, which may take several months. In order for the J-2 dependent to obtain permission to work, s/he must be able to show that the salary s/he will receive is not needed for the support of the J-1 exchange visitor.