Information for J-2 dependents

Exchange Visitor Process Overview	J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories	J-2 Dependent Information	2-Yr Home Residency Requirement
Travel	Extension of Stay	Early Departure	Transferring
Working & Visitor Visa	Workshop	Form DS-2019	OIS Program Fee
SEVIS Fee	Visa Application	After Arrival at USC	Housing

--- Information for J-2 dependents---

DS-2019

An Exchange Visitor may be accompanied by his or her dependent(s) at any time. Children over the age of 21 are not eligible to enter as the dependent of a J-1 Exchange Visitor. It is most common to issue a dependent (J-2) DS-2019 at the same time as the Primary Exchange Visitor’s documentation, but not required. However, it is difficult to add a dependent once a DS-2019 has been issued and the J-1 has yet to enter the U.S. In this situation the $100 correction fee will apply. Otherwise, there is no fee for a Dependent DS-2019. The SEVIS fee does not apply to dependents.

Two-Year Home Residence Requirement

If the J-1 is subject to the Two-Year Rule the J-2 is also subject. Once the J-1 fulfills the requirement or receives a waiver the J-2 is also released. For more information please see the Two-Year Home Residence Requirement section.

Travel

The same rules apply to Dependent travel as to travel by J-1 Exchange Visitors. The most important thing is to have the DS-2019 endorsed for travel within 6 months of the J-2’s return to the U.S. The J-2 DS-2019 does not have to be endorsed for travel for the initial entry to the United States. More information can be found in the section Exchange Visitor Travel.

Work

Dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitors are allowed to work in the U.S. This authorization can be applied for once the J-2 has entered the country. OIS does not recommend applying any sooner than 2-3 months after arrival in the U.S. Applying sooner than this leads Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) to question the J-2’s motive for being in the country. The Exchange Visitor is responsible for submitting the application to CIS. However, OIS is happy to provide the application materials as well as look them over before mailing. The application is available at the front desk and advisement is available by appointment.

Please note the fact that J-2 dependents are allowed to work is not a sufficient reason to change one’s status to J-1. CIS will deny such requests.

English Language Program

English language classes are available to Dependents of USC sponsored Exchange Visitors. More information is available here.