J-2 Dependents
Dependents accompanying a J-1 exchange visitor will enter the U.S. in the J-2 category. All J-2 dependents are required to have a separate Form DS-2019 and a machine-readable visa stamp in their passport in order to make a lawful entry to the U.S.
Due to personal circumstances, many dependents choose to follow the principal at a later date. This does not present a problem. The Center for Immigration Services and Support (ISS) can process a DS-2019 for a dependent at any time as long as the J-1 principal is maintaining valid J-1 status.
The nonimmigrant status of a J-2 dependent is linked to the status of the J-1. If the J-1 violates his/her nonimmigrant status, the violation automatically affects the status of all J-2 dependents.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service has defined dependent for nonimmigrant purposes as a spouse or an unmarried child who is under the age of 21. The J-2 category does not include relatives who do not fall into one of these two classifications.
All J-2 dependents are automatically subject to the two-year home residence rule if it applies to the principle J-1.
Since all J-2 dependents rely on the J-1 for legal nonimmigrant status, it is not permitted for them to remain in the U.S. without the principle J-1. This does not, however, apply to brief periods of time spent outside of the U.S. by the J-1 during the course of program participation.
J-2 dependents are allowed to pursue employment in the U.S. once an employment authorization document (EAD) is obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Information Service (USCIS). For detailed information on applying for this work benefit, please contact ISS at iss@wfu.edu.
A J-2 dependent is eligible to receive a social security number once they have obtained an EAD from the USCIS.
J-2 dependents are allowed to study on a full-time basis in a regular academic curriculum. However, a change of status to the student category (F-1) may be necessary.