United States•North AmericaJ-2 — Dependent of J-1
At a Glance
2 weeks – 5 months
Varies by processing route
USD $185–$705
Varies by filing options
Duration of J-1 principal's program + 30-day grace period
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Living in United States
Overview
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a J-1 visa holder. May apply for employment authorization.
The J-2 is the US dependent visa for spouses and children under 21 of J-1 exchange visitors, letting families accompany exchange participants for the program duration.
Status runs with the J-1 plus a 30-day grace. Dependents may get an EAD (I-765, $520) to work unrestricted; earnings cannot support the J-1. MRV: $185.
This visa is ideal for the immediate family of a J-1 exchange visitor who want to live together in the US, with the option to work independently.
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Cost Breakdown
Processing Time
| Consular processing (visa stamp) | 2 weeks – 3 months |
| EAD (Form I-765, after arrival) | 1–5 months |
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be the spouse or unmarried child under age 21 of an active J-1 exchange visitor
J-1 sponsor must approve the dependent and issue a separate DS-2019 for each J-2
J-1 program category must permit dependents (au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student, and summer work travel programs exclude J-2s)
Must meet standard nonimmigrant admissibility requirements
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (6+ months beyond intended stay)
DS-160 confirmation page
Separate DS-2019 issued by J-1's program sponsor
Copy of J-1 principal's DS-2019 and visa
Proof of relationship to J-1 (marriage certificate for spouse; birth certificate for children)
MRV fee payment receipt
U.S. visa photo meeting requirements
Evidence of ties to home country (consulate-dependent)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows spouse and minor children to reside in the U.S. for the full duration of the J-1 program
- Minor children may attend U.S. public or private schools without a separate F-1 visa
- Qualifying to obtain unrestricted open-market work authorization (EAD) via Form I-765
- EAD is not employer-specific — can work for any U.S. employer in any lawful occupation
- No annual numerical cap or lottery
- Same-sex spouses treated identically to opposite-sex spouses
Worth Knowing
- Status is entirely dependent on the J-1 principal — if the J-1 terminates or falls out of status, J-2 status is also affected
- Not available for J-1 program categories: au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student, summer work travel
- Subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement (INA 212(e)) if the J-1 principal is subject to it, blocking adjustment to permanent residence or change to H/L status
- J-2 income cannot be used to financially support the J-1 principal (22 CFR 62.31(l))
- EAD must be obtained before working — there is no automatic work authorization upon entry
- EAD processing currently takes 1–5 months, creating a gap between arrival and work qualification
- EAD must be renewed annually via a new I-765 filing
- Subject to J-1 holder's 212(e) requirement
Application Process
J-1 sponsor issues a separate Form DS-2019 for each J-2 dependent
Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) at ceac.state.gov
Pay $185 MRV fee (waived for U.S. government-sponsored programs)
Schedule and attend visa interview at nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Upon arrival, I-94 is generated electronically recording J-2 status
Optionally file Form I-765 with USCIS ($520) to obtain an EAD if intending to work
Application Forms
Go to application portal| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| DS-2019 Certificate of qualification for Exchange Visitor Status | Fill online |
| I-765 Application for Employment Authorization | Fill online |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
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