International students in J-1 status may bring dependents (spouse and children) to the US in J-2 dependent status. The legal status of your dependent(s) in the US is depends upon you maintaining your immigration status in the US. If you fall out of status, your dependent(s) will also fall out of status.

Bringing Your Dependent

To come to the US, your dependent will need both a DS-2019 and a J-2 visa. Like your own J-1 process, this begins by getting a new DS-2019 from the OIE.

Requesting a DS-2019 for a J-2 Dependent

The following documents will be needed to add your dependent to your SEVIS record. Dependent requests are made through iStart.

  • Proof of Financial Support: Funds must be available to support your dependent(s) while in the US. You need to show proof that you have at least $5,000 per year for each dependent you wish to bring to the US.
  • Dependent Required Documents: You must provide legal documentation that shows you are the spouse, parent, or legal guardian of the J-2 dependents you would like to have join you in the United States. Same-sex spouses are able to obtain J-2 status as long as the marriage took place in a jurisdiction in which same-sex marriage is recognized.

Once your dependent request has been approved, the OIE will create a J-2 DS-2019 for your dependent.

J-2 Visa Application

Once your dependent receives their J-2 DS-2019 they will apply for a J-2 visa, unless your dependent has a passport from Canada or Bermuda. This process is very similar to the J-1 visa application process. Your J-2 dependent will need to visit the US Department of State's website and complete the DS-160, being sure to apply for the J-2 visa. They will need to bring the following documents to the visa appointment: 

  • Passport
  • J-2 Form DS-2019
  • Copy of your J-1 Form DS-2019
  • Proof of financial support
  • Marriage license or birth certificate (translated into English)
  • Proof of payment of the visa fee
  • Nonimmigrant visa application confirmation page
  • Any other documents requested/required according to the DS-160, local embassy or consulate, or that may be related to your application
  • Any proof of temporary stay available

Note: The SEVIS fee is only required of principal (J-1) visa applicants. J-2 visa applicants do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.

Studying in the United States

Regulations do not restrict study for J-2 dependents. Both J-2 spouses and children may study at any level while in the US. Study may be part-time or full-time.

Employment Regulations

J-2 dependents are allowed to apply for employment authorization. J-2 dependents may not work until they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This takes up to 3 months to process after the application has been filed. J-2 dependents must be able to explain why they want to work. They cannot apply for employment authorization to support you, the J-1 student. Learn more about the process here. If your J-2 dependent wants to apply for employment authorization, OIE advisors are available for appointments to talk to you and your dependent about the application process.

Travel Outside the United States

J-2 dependents seeking to re-enter the US must carry with them the same immigration documents as a J-1 student traveling outside of the US. You can read more in Travel and Re-Entry to the US.

Health Insurance

J-1 students must maintain appropriate health insurance for themselves and all dependents. Please see our J-1 health insurance pages for students and scholars. J-2 dependents must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their time on the J-1 record. The J-1 student is responsible for ensuring appropriate coverage.