J-2 Visa for Dependents | Complete Guide

If you are a J-1 exchange visa holder, you may wonder what options are available to bring your family along with you. The J-2 visa allows spouses and children to join J-1 visa holders while you participate in your exchange program.

The eligibility for the J-2 visa is directly tied to the specific exchange program of the J-1 visa holder. Most exchange programs allow J-2 visa holders to accompany the J-1 visa holder. This article explains how to apply for the visa, how you can work, and important rules regarding the residency requirements.

What Is A J-2 Visa?

The J-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa available for dependents of a J-1 visa holder. The dependents include:

• Spouses
• Unmarried children who are under 21 years old

The visa is valid for the duration of the J-1 visa holder’s exchange program. For example, if the exchange program has a duration of one year, then the J-2 visa’s validity also ends one year from the start date. Nonetheless, it’s always important to verify by looking at the visa’s end date listed on the visa stamp, which provides the official expiration and any conditions tied to the stay.

Requirements for a J-2 Visa

To qualify for a J-2 visa, you need to ensure you have:

• A valid DS-2019 form issued by the J-1 sponsor
• Proof of your relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• Proof of financial means to support yourself while in the U.S.
• Valid health insurance

Health Insurance

Health insurance is required throughout your stay in the U.S. The insurance must meet the minimum requirements set by the Department of State to cover medical evacuations and repatriation of remains.

Here are some of the expected costs you should expect within your health insurance plans:

• Deductible no more than $500
• Repatriation up to $25,000
• Medical evaluation/evacuation expenses to cover up to $50,000
• $100,000 in medical benefits

How Do You Apply For A J-2 Visa?

To apply for the visa, you must be a dependent of the J-1 visa holder. You do not need to apply for a J-2 visa at the same time that the J-1 visa holder applies for their J-1. Follow these steps to apply for a J-2 visa:

1. Step 1: Create an account on CEAC and complete the DS-160 form online.
2. Step 2: Pay the visa fee.
3. Step 3: Schedule a visa interview.
4. Step 4: Prepare supporting documents. You will need to bring a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application receipt, DS-2019 form, proof of relationship, and evidence of financial support to stay in the U.S.
5. Step 5: Attend the visa interview
6. Step 6: Travel to the U.S.

Upon entering the U.S., your I-94 records will now reflect a J-2 status.

J-2 Visa Interview Questions

During your J-2 interview, you will most likely be asked about your intentions to travel to the U.S. and may be asked basic questions about your relationship with you and your dependents, such as

• Do you plan to work when you come to the U.S.?
• How long have you been married to your spouse?
• Do you plan to go to school when you enter the U.S.?

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Combined J-1 and J-2 Interviews

In many cases, the J-1 visa holder can bring their dependents to attend the interview together. It is not required for the J-1 visa holder to be present at the interview with the dependent, but attending a joint interview can help demonstrate the genuine relationship and even streamline the process.

Both applicants should be prepared to answer questions around the J-1 program, how the two applicants are related, their plans for living in the U.S., and to elaborate on their financial resources.

Some embassies or consulates may not offer joint interviews, so check with the local embassy or consulate in your country to verify if joint interviews are applicable.

Can J-2 Visa Holders Work?

Yes, a J-2 visa holder can work in the U.S. after they obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). They cannot work until they receive their work permit.

EAD Process and Costs

J-2 visa holders can submit the I-765 form, which is the application to request a work permit. They can only submit this application after they arrive in the U.S.

The J-2 Visa EAD filing fee is $470 for online filing and $520 for paper filing.

Once the EAD is approved, a J-2 visa holder can legally work for any U.S. employer, either in a full-time or part-time role. However, as a J-2 visa holder, you need to be aware that if the J-1 visa holder loses their job, then your J-1 status is immediately terminated, which includes your work permit.

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J-2 Visa for Spouse

Spouses of J-1 visa holders can apply to work and even attend school while on a J-2 visa. The spouse must be legally married to the J-1 visa holder, and there must be proof of a bona fide relationship.

J-2 Visa for Child

Children must be unmarried and under 21 years old to obtain a J-2 visa. They are legally allowed to stay in the U.S. to study for the same period as their J-1 visa parent. Typically, most children on a J-2 visa are not applying for work permits. However, if the child is at least 16 years old and they meet certain eligibility requirements, they can apply for a work permit.

There is typically no questioning of the relationship between a child and the J-1 visa parent, as long as the parent’s name is listed on the birth certificate.

Processing Times

The visa appointment availability and processing wait times for the visa can vary depending on the backlog of the U.S. embassy/consulate where you apply. Some could have shorter wait times of half a month to two months, while others have longer wait times, especially during peak travel periods.

Check the latest DOS visa wait times for the country you are applying from.

Visa Grace Period

After a J-1 visa holder completes their exchange visitor program, there is a 30-day grace period for both J-1 and J-2 visa holders to plan travel arrangements to leave the U.S., transfer to another program, or explore other visa options.

Are J-2 Visa Holders Subject To The 2-Year Home Residency Requirement?

Yes, if the J-1 visa holder is subject to the two-year home residency requirement, then the J-2 visa holder is also subject to the requirement. This means that both the J-1 and J-2 visa holder must physically return to their home country for at least two years before applying for another U.S. visa or green card.

Importantly, J-1 visa holders may acquire waivers, which are also tied to the J-2 holder.

J-2 Visa To Green Card

There is a J-2 visa to green card pathway in cases where either the J-2 or J-1 visa holder has an employer or family member willing to sponsor them. However, because the visa is a non-immigrant visa, starting the green card process requires a change of status. Importantly, the J-1 holder may need to file a waiver to avoid the two-year home residency requirement if it is required.

Additionally, the visa is not dual intent, meaning you cannot have the intent to move to the United States for the purposes of pursuing permanent residency status when you apply for the J-1. Nonetheless, if a green card opportunity arises, such as an unexpected employment opportunity, you may be able to pursue this, but it requires careful navigation of the law. We recommend seeking guidance from a legal professional in these cases.

Traveling with a J-2 Visa

J-2 visa holders are allowed to travel in and out of the U.S. as long as their visa status is valid, and they have an “M” marked on their visa stamp that allows them multiple entries. However, if the visa stamp has an “S” marked, then that will only allow a single entry to enter the U.S. and leave when the visa expires.

Visa holders should always carry their DS-2019, passport, and a copy of their I-94 record when traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions