J-2 Dependents

• Overview

  Only the spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of a J-1 visa holder may apply for J-2 dependent status. Their eligibility to stay legally in the U.S. is dependent upon the J-1 maintaining their legal status.

  All other family members must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor's visa to gain entry to the U.S.

  Report any changes to VIS
  If your dependent departs the U.S. permanently or changes their immigration status, you must report their departure/change of status to VIS. To do so, submit the "Removal of J-2 Dependent" eForm in accessVIS.

  Don't forget to report your dependent's arrival!
  Once your dependent receives a J-2 visa and enters the U.S.  or receives the change of status approval notice by mail, you must submit copies of their immigration documents (DS-2019, passport, J-2 visa and I-94 or change of status approval notice) to VIS by submitting the "Immigration Intake for J-2 Dependents" in accessVIS.

• Adding a J-2 Dependent

  The spouse and unmarried minor children (under age 21) of the J-1 student may be admitted into the U.S. in J-2 classification if each dependent presents a DS-2019 issued in their own name and a J-2 visa.

  Initial J-1 Students

  If you are applying for your own initial DS-2019 and know that you will be accompanied by dependent(s), you must to be sure to include the required dependent information and adequate funding in the appropriate section of the  J-1 Exchange Visitor Request.

  • Verification of an additional $9,000 per year for your spouse and an additional $5,000 per year for each child is required. 

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  Continuing Students

  Step 1: Prepare your documents

  To request a J-2 DS-2019 you will need:

  • A copy of the biographic page of each dependent’s passport.

  • Verification of an additional $9,000 per year for your spouse and an additional $5,000 per year for each child. 

  • Proof of health insurance. Department of State federally mandates all J-1 and J-2 status holders to carry adequate health insurance coverage. 

  Step 2: Submit your request in accessVIS

  Login to accessVIS and submit the "Dependent DS-2019 Request" in accessVIS.

  Note: The Dependent(s): Biographical Information form may be submitted multiple times, once for each individual dependent requiring an DS-2019.

  Step 3: Receive your dependent's DS-2019

  Upon submission of the required documents and sufficient proof of funding, an International Student Advisor will prepare a dependent DS-2019 marked "for use by dependents." 

  The J-2 dependent DS-2019 should be signed by the J-1 student.

  Step 4: Your dependent must apply for a J-2 visa

  Once your J-2 dependent has received their DS-2019 from Stony Brook University, they will need to apply for a J-2 visa at the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

  Step 5: Report the arrival of your J-2 dependent

  Once your dependent receives a J-2 visa and enters the U.S. as a J-2 or receives the change of status approval notice by mail, you must provide copies of their immigration documents by submitting the Immigration Intake for J-2 Dependents in accessVIS.

   

• J-2 Restrictions
  Employment

  J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization from USCIS as long as their employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1.

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  Study

  J-2 dependents are permitted to enroll in elementary or secondary schools while in the U.S.  Furthermore, regulations do not prohibit dependents from engaging in post-secondary study on a full-time basis, as long as their primary purpose in the U.S. is to accompany the J-1 status holder.

  For information about enrolling your child in a public elementary or secondary school, contact your local school district.