J-2 Visas for Dependents
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 |
Postdoc minimums [1] All other scholars follow the Postgraduate minimum [2] |
Postdoc minimums [1] All other scholars follow the Postgraduate minimum [2] |
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 [3].
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 [4] 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 [5] 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).