J2 Visa Guide

Families of J-1 exchange visitors often need clarity on whether a spouse or child can accompany them, study, or work in the United States. This article explains the J-2 dependant route in plain, practical terms for applicants and advisers who need to plan timelines, documents, and compliance.

What this article is about: A step-by-step guide to the J-2 visa for dependants of J-1 exchange visitors. It covers who qualifies, how to apply, what rights J-2s have to study and work, how status links to the principal J-1, and the impact of the two-year home-residency rule (INA 212(e)). It also flags common pitfalls, including age-outs (the need to depart or change status before turning 21), travel, and changes of status.

Section A: What is the J-2 visa?

The J-2 is the dependant immigration status for the spouse or qualifying child of a J-1 exchange visitor. It exists to keep families together during an approved exchange programme, while preserving the core rule that the J-1’s purpose and programme govern the family’s stay.

1. Definition and purpose

A J-2 is a non-immigrant, derivative status that permits residence in the United States for the same period as the J-1’s authorised programme. It is not an independent route and ends when the J-1’s status ends, subject to any applicable grace period.

2. Relationship to the J-1 category

Every feature of J-2 status depends on the J-1’s programme sponsorship and SEVIS record. The sponsor issues separate DS-2019 forms for each dependant, setting programme dates. If the sponsor shortens, extends, or terminates the J-1 programme, the J-2’s status follows automatically. A J-2 cannot extend beyond the J-1 or remain after the J-1 leaves or falls out of status.

3. Who counts as a dependant

• Legal spouse of the J-1 principal
• Unmarried children under 21 (must depart or change status before turning 21 to avoid unlawful presence)

Partners who are not legally married, parents, and children 21 or over do not qualify. Where a child will turn 21 during the programme, families should plan a timely change of status or departure to avoid an overstay when the child “ages out.”

4. Key features of J-2 status

• Validity runs in parallel with the J-1, anchored to DS-2019 dates and any grace period.
• Study permitted at school or university without switching to F-1 (though some choose F-1 for tuition or continuity reasons).
• Work is not automatic: J-2s may apply for employment authorisation after US entry by filing Form I-765; paid work can begin only once the EAD card is approved and in hand.
• If the J-1 is subject to the two-year home-residency rule (INA 212(e)), J-2 family members are subject to the same rule.
• J-2 is derivative, not a bridge to permanent residence; any change of status or adjustment must account for 212(e) and other rules.

5. Practical illustrations

A research scholar on J-1 who receives a programme extension will see their spouse’s and child’s J-2 extended once updated DS-2019s issue. If that scholar’s programme ends early, the J-2s’ status ends at the same time (including any standard grace period). If the scholar is subject to 212(e), the J-2 spouse is also subject, which can prevent a switch to H-1B or permanent residence until a waiver is granted or two years are spent at home.

Section A summary
J-2 is a derivative status that lets a J-1’s spouse and under-21 unmarried children live in the US for the life of the J-1 programme. It permits study and, with an approved EAD, employment. It also mirrors key restrictions on the J-1, including the two-year home-residency rule and programme-linked validity. Families should plan timelines and contingencies around the J-1’s sponsorship and any potential age-out.

Section B: J-2 Visa Eligibility & Application Process

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For families of J-1 exchange visitors, securing J-2 status requires careful attention to eligibility rules and consular procedures. The process is linked directly to the J-1 programme sponsor and the supporting documentation they issue.

1. Who qualifies as a dependant

• The legally married spouse of a J-1 principal
• Unmarried children under 21

Children born in the United States to J-1 parents are automatically US citizens and do not need J-2 status. Partners in unmarried or civil partnerships, children over 21, and extended family members such as parents or siblings are excluded.

2. Required documentation

Each J-2 applicant needs a Form DS-2019 issued in their own name by the J-1 programme sponsor. This form sets out the J-2’s relationship to the J-1 and the dates of authorised stay. Supporting documents include:

• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificates for children)
• Passport valid for intended stay
• DS-160 online visa application form
• Visa fee payment (currently $185 MRV fee)
• Visa appointment confirmation
• Any additional evidence requested by the embassy or consulate

Where family members apply after the J-1 has already arrived in the US, the sponsor must issue new DS-2019s and update the SEVIS record to include the dependants. No SEVIS fee is payable for J-2 applicants; this applies only to the J-1.

3. Application procedure

The J-2 visa application begins with completing Form DS-160 online and paying the visa fee. Applicants then schedule and attend a consular interview at a US embassy or consulate. At interview, applicants must provide their DS-2019, passport, proof of relationship, and financial evidence showing that the family has resources to live in the US.

The interview focuses on confirming the relationship to the J-1, the J-1’s valid status, and the family’s intention to accompany or join the J-1 temporarily. If approved, the J-2 visa will be stamped into the passport, permitting entry to the US.

4. Processing times and possible delays

Consular processing varies by location and season. Standard processing can take several weeks, though longer waits are common in peak months or at busier consulates. Applicants should also factor in additional time if a child is close to turning 21, since delays could reduce flexibility in arranging a change of status before the age-out date. Administrative processing may also cause unexpected delays, particularly where names trigger security checks.

Section B summary
The J-2 application is dependent on the J-1 sponsor’s issuance of a valid DS-2019 and proof of family relationship. Spouses and children under 21 may apply through the consular process using DS-160, passports, supporting documents, and visa fees. Families should plan for variable processing times and ensure that all documents clearly establish the connection to the J-1.

Section C: Rights & Restrictions of J-2 Visa Holders

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Once admitted to the United States, J-2 dependants have defined rights and limitations intended to support family life while keeping the principal J-1 and their exchange programme at the centre of compliance.

1. Permission to study

J-2 dependants may enrol in education without changing status. Children can attend public or private schools and spouses may take short courses or full-time degrees. Switching to F-1 is not required, though some choose it for tuition considerations or to maintain studies if the J-1 programme ends.

2. Travel conditions

J-2 holders may travel internationally and seek re-entry to the United States with a valid passport, unexpired J-2 visa, and a DS-2019 bearing a recent travel endorsement from the programme sponsor (typically within the past 12 months or the programme end date, whichever is sooner). Re-entry always depends on the principal J-1 maintaining valid status; if the J-1 falls out of status or departs permanently, a J-2 loses the basis for admission.

3. Healthcare and insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for J-1s and all J-2 dependants. Sponsors must ensure coverage that meets the regulatory minimums (22 CFR §62.14), which include at least: (i) $100,000 medical benefits per accident or illness, (ii) $25,000 for repatriation of remains, (iii) $50,000 for medical evacuation to the home country, and (iv) a deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness. Sponsors may not waive these minimums. Families should budget for premiums from programme start through completion.

4. Core restrictions of J-2 status

• Derivative status: J-2 cannot exist independently of the J-1. If the J-1’s status ends, the J-2 must depart unless a change of status has been filed and approved.
• Employment only with EAD: Paid work is prohibited until USCIS approves an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD).
• Validity tied to J-1: Any J-1 extension, curtailment, or termination flows to the J-2.
• Two-year home-residency rule: If the J-1 is subject to INA 212(e), all J-2 family members are equally subject, limiting certain future visa or green card options unless waived or fulfilled.

Practical implications
A J-2 spouse who begins a degree may need to stop or transfer to F-1 if the J-1 programme ends early. A school-age child in J-2 status may continue classes only while the J-1 remains in status. Families should plan study, travel, and employment timelines around the J-1’s programme dates and endorsements.

Section C summary
J-2 dependants can study and travel within the limits of the J-1’s authorised stay and must maintain compliant health insurance. Because J-2 is strictly derivative, rights are conditional: employment requires an approved EAD, and any end to the J-1’s programme or a 212(e) restriction directly affects the family’s options.

Section D: J-2 Visa Work Authorisation (EAD)

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One of the most valuable features of J-2 status is the ability to apply for work authorisation. Unlike many dependant visa categories, J-2 spouses and qualifying children aged 14 to 20 may obtain an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) from USCIS, granting open-market work rights.

1. Applying for employment authorisation

J-2 dependants may apply after entering the United States by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorisation. Applications must include:

• Completed and signed Form I-765
• Filing fee (currently $520 in 2025, unless exempt)
• Two US-style passport photographs
• Copy of the J-2’s DS-2019 and I-94 record
• Copy of the J-1’s DS-2019 and I-94 record
• Copy of the J-2’s passport and visa
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)

USCIS regulations state that the J-2’s earnings should not be required to support the J-1. In practice, adjudications focus on documentation and maintaining lawful status rather than family finances, but applicants may be asked to confirm the purpose of employment.

2. Processing times for the EAD

USCIS processing times vary, typically taking between two and six months. Work must not begin until the physical EAD card is received. Families should plan accordingly and avoid commitments to jobs before approval.

3. Validity and renewal

The EAD is valid only within the J-2’s authorised stay and cannot extend beyond the J-1’s programme end date. If the J-1 is granted an extension, the J-2 must file a new I-765 with updated DS-2019 forms to extend work permission. Renewal should be filed before expiry, but gaps in eligibility may occur if processing is delayed.

4. Employment opportunities and tax responsibilities

With an approved EAD, J-2 dependants may work for any US employer, full-time or part-time, or engage in self-employment or freelancing. Income is subject to US taxation. J-2 workers must obtain a Social Security Number for lawful employment and tax reporting. Employers must complete Form I-9 verification, using the EAD as proof of work eligibility.

5. Practical considerations

Children under 14 cannot apply for an EAD. For older J-2 teenagers, US child labour laws still apply. Families should anticipate USCIS backlogs, which can disrupt employment timelines. Renewal planning is critical to avoid work interruptions.

Section D summary
The J-2 visa allows dependants to work, but only with a USCIS-approved EAD. The process involves filing Form I-765 after arrival, waiting for approval, and renewing as necessary. Once issued, the EAD offers unrestricted employment opportunities but remains strictly limited to the timeframe of the J-1’s programme. Families must prepare for processing delays, renewal deadlines, and compliance with tax and labour rules.

FAQs

1. Can J-2 visa holders work without an EAD?

No. A J-2 dependant must have an approved Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) before starting any paid work in the United States. Working without an EAD breaches immigration law and can lead to loss of status.

2. Can J-2 children attend school in the US?

Yes. Children on J-2 visas can attend public or private school without restriction. Spouses may enrol in further or higher education without switching to another status, though some choose F-1 for tuition or programme continuity if the J-1 ends.

3. What happens if the J-1 visa holder loses status?

If the J-1’s status ends—through early completion, withdrawal, or a breach—the J-2’s status ends automatically. Dependants must depart or secure a change of status if eligible. Planning is critical where studies or employment are ongoing.

4. How long does J-2 work authorisation take?

USCIS processing typically ranges from two to six months. Employment must not begin until the physical EAD card is received. Backlogs and requests for evidence can extend timelines, so renewals should be filed early to reduce gaps.

5. Can J-2 holders change to another visa status or apply for a green card?

Often, yes—but it depends on individual circumstances and any two-year home-residency obligation under INA 212(e). A J-2 may change to another non-immigrant status (e.g., F-1, H-1B) or, in some cases, apply for adjustment of status (for example, through marriage to a US citizen). If 212(e) applies to the family, it must be fulfilled or waived before moving to certain categories or pursuing permanent residence.

6. Do J-2 applicants pay the SEVIS fee?

No. The SEVIS fee is payable by the J-1 principal. J-2 dependants are not required to pay a SEVIS fee, but each J-2 must have their own DS-2019 issued by the sponsor and be listed in SEVIS.

7. Can a J-2 enter the US before the J-1?

As a practical matter, admission is tied to the J-1’s programme and status. J-2s normally enter with or after the J-1. Attempting to enter before the J-1 can result in refusal of admission because the derivative basis has not yet been established.

8. What insurance do J-2s need?

J-2s must be covered by insurance meeting 22 CFR §62.14 minimums: at least $100,000 medical benefits per accident or illness, $25,000 repatriation of remains, $50,000 medical evacuation, and a deductible not exceeding $500 per accident or illness. Sponsors may not waive these minimums.

9. Can a J-2 study full-time at university?

Yes. J-2s may study full-time without changing status. Some choose to switch to F-1 for programme or funding reasons or to preserve study if the J-1 ends.

10. What happens when a J-2 child turns 21?

J-2 classification ends when the child turns 21. To avoid unlawful presence, the child must depart or obtain an approved change of status before their 21st birthday.

FAQs summary
Employment requires an EAD; schooling is permitted; status is derivative and ends with the J-1. SEVIS fees do not apply to J-2s, insurance is mandatory at regulatory minimums, and age-outs at 21 require proactive planning for change of status or departure.

Conclusion

The J-2 visa provides a valuable mechanism for families of J-1 exchange visitors to live together in the United States. It allows dependants to study freely and, with work authorisation, to pursue employment. However, the J-2’s rights are always tied to the J-1’s programme, meaning that any change in the J-1’s status immediately affects the family.

For employers, educational institutions, and families, understanding the derivative nature of J-2 status is critical. The two-year home-residency rule, the age-out at 21 for children, and the requirement for an Employment Authorisation Document are all factors that need careful planning.

By approaching the application and compliance process with a clear understanding of these rules, families can maximise the opportunities offered by the J-2 visa while avoiding risks of overstay or unauthorised employment.

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