The spouse or partner and dependent children (under 21 years of age) of the J-1 scholar are eligible for J-2 status and may use this status to accompany the J-1 scholar to the U.S. The eligible “spouse” or “partner” in this context is defined as: (1) legal marriage, evidenced by a marriage certificate issued by the place of celebration, (2) common law marriage, evidenced by an official verification or a legal brief verifying full material rights by the place of celebration.
J-2 Status Requirements
Individual DS-2019 for Each Dependent
Each person in J-2 status must have their own DS-2019.
With the DS-2019 the J-2 dependent may apply for a J-2 visa at the U.S. Consulate. See the section 'How to Obtain a DS-2019 For Each Dependent' below for more information.
Funding Requirements
The J-1 scholar must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the support of each of their J-2 dependents.
| FY23 | FY24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scholar |
All other scholars follow the Postgraduate minimum |
All other scholars follow the Postgraduate minimum |
| Spouse | $8,700/year ($725/month) |
$9,600/year ($800/month) |
| Each Child | $6,300/year ($525/month) |
$6,900/year ($575/month) |
J-1 Total Minimum Funding Requirements Calculator*
As of July 1, 2024
* Disclaimer: this calculator is meant to provide you with an idea of the minimum funding requirements, and results are not guaranteed to be accurate . Results should not be taken as professional advice, or relied upon as the sole basis for making important decisions.
J-1/J-2 Health Insurance Requirement
All Exchange Visitors (J-1) and their J-2 dependents are required to maintain health and accident insurance coverage during the entire time they participate in an Exchange Visitor program. See the Health Insurance Requirement page for more information.
How to Obtain a DS-2019 For Each Dependent
When Your Dependent(s) Will Accompany You to the U.S.
If the spouse and/or dependent child will accompany the J-1 scholar when they first arrive to the U.S, the scholar should add them to the 'Dependents Information' section when completing the Exchange Visitor tab in OISS Connect.
When Your Dependent(s) Will Join You After Your Arrival to the U.S.
If the spouse and/or dependent child will join the scholar in the U.S. after their arrival, the scholar needs to create an Add New Dependent request in OISS Connect. Be prepared to upload a copy of their passport(s) and evidence of sufficient funds to support their stay (see the 'Funding Requirements' section above) before creating a request for J-2 sponsorship.
OISS will contact you when the new DS-2019 forms are ready for you to send to your family members.
Employment
J-2 visa holders (the spouses, partners, and dependent children of J-1s) may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work in the United States. This work authorization is called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
