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J-2 Dependent Information
J-2 Dependent Information
The J-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for spouses and dependents (unmarried children under the age of 21) of J-1 exchange visitors who accompany or later join the J-1 holder in the United States. A J-2 dependent/spouse is in status only while the J-1 is in status. Each dependent must have their own DS-2019. If the spouse and/or dependent child is accompanying the J-1 scholar upon initial arrival, the dependent DS-2019 is created simultaneously with the J-1 exchange visitor's. If the spouse and/or dependents child is arriving in the U.S. after the J-1 scholar, make an appointment with an ISSS advisor to review the process. Step 1: The J-1 exchange visitor should meet with an ISSS Faculty and Scholar Advisor to review the J-2 process. The J-1 will request the DS-2019 form(s) through iTerp. Step 2: ISSS will prepare the J-2 DS-2019(s) and alert the scholar when they are ready to be picked up at 1126 HJ Patterson Hall. Step 3: The J-1 exchange visitor will mail the J-2 DS-2019(s) via express courier to their dependent(s). It is important that the dependent not schedule the visa interview until after they have received the DS-2019. The dependent does not have to pay a SEVIS fee. The dependent will need to pay a U.S. visa fee. Step 4: When the J-2 arrives in the U.S., the J-1 exchange visitor will complete the e-form, "J-2 Depenent Arrival Information" for each dependent. The following should be uploaded. Step 5: If a J-2 permanently leaves the U.S. and has no plans to return as a J-2, the J-1 should complete the e-form, "J-2 Dependent Departure." J-2 dependents are allowed to work in the U.S. with an employment authorization document (EAD) issued by USCIS. Checklist for J-2 Employment Authorization Application USCIS The applicant will receive a receipt by mail. If the application is approved, an approval notice and employment authorization card (EAD card) will be mailed directly to the applicant at the address listed on the I-765. The applicant cannot begin working until the card is received. Income earned by J-2s is subject to Social Security taxes as well as federal, state, and local income tax. J-2s can apply for a Social Security number on the I-765 application. The J-2 dependent may apply for an extension of the EAD card up to 180 days before the end date of the initial EAD. If a J-2 is interested in studying at the University of Maryland, College Park, the J-2 may apply for undergraduate or graduate admission. Eligibility
Applying for a J-2 DS-2019
Working in J-2 Status
For U.S Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:
For FedEx, UPS, & DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1281
Attn: NFB (Box 21281)
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoeniz, AZ 85034-4850Studying in J-2 Status