J2 Visa

A brief description of J2 Dependent Visa:

The J-2 visa is a non-immigrant U.S. visa, which is issued to the family members of a J-1 student visa holder. This dependent visa is appropriate for the spouse and unmarried children (under age 21), who want to accompany the J1 holder to the United States. The J2 visa holders can reside in the United States as long as the J1 holders remain in official status. To be exact, an individual lose his/her J-2 status once the principal J-1 person loses legal status.

The J-1 visa holders are exchange visitors who are engaging in an established “J exchange program” pre-approved by the Department of State. The J-1 visa is generally issued to the secondary school and college students, trainees in flight aviation programs, business trainees, primary and secondary school teachers, research scholars, college professors, medical residents, international visitors, certain specialists, and Government visitors.

The dependents of a J-1 exchange visitor follow the same travel and reentry procedures as the J-1 holder. The J2 status holders are allowed to change or “adjust status” in the United States. Since this visa is a derivative of the J1 visa, any change in status to the J1 status should cause a change in the J2 category.

Note: Once the J-2 children reach their 21st birthday, they are no longer qualified for J-2 visa status. Also, if the J-2 spouse divorces the J-1 visa holder, he/she loses legal J-2 status.

J-2 application procedure:

The J-2 application process is the same as the J-1. The applicant has to submit the Form DS-2019 and Certificates of Eligibility to a USCIS Field Office in the US (if you are in the U.S) or a US Consulate near your place of residence (if you reside outside the US). See U.S. Embassy & Consulate Website Locator page. The visa is normally issued within 30 days from the date of submission.

Study on J2 visa:

J2 dependents are authorized to participate in full or part time study. Currently, the law does not require that the J2 holders apply for a student visa if they wish to study in the country.

Employment Regulations:

J2 dependents can work in the United States. They are qualified to apply for employment authorization document (EAD) from the USCIS as long as their earnings are not for the purpose of supporting the principal J-1 status holder. The application for a work permit can only be made after J2 holder's arrival in the country.

Documents for J2 work permission:

To apply for anJ2 work permission, the dependents need the following;

• Completed USCIS I-765 Form
• Copy of both J-1's and J-2's I-94 cards, and DS-2019 Forms
• Copy of the identification pages of J-2's passport, including the photo page
• I-765 filing fee
• Two identical color photographs (passport size)
• Copy of your previous EAD card (front and back). If you have applied for an EAD before
• A letter showing why job is necessary