MinerAlert
MinerAlert
J-1 Exchange Visitors are permitted to be accompanied by a legal spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 (must be biological or legally adopted children), known as J-2 dependents. Other family members (e.g., parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc.) are not eligible for J-2 status. Each dependent will be issued their own Form DS-2019 and SEVIS number in order to obtain J-2 status.
J-2 status is completely dependent on the primary J-1 Exchange Visitor. Each dependent will have the same program end date as the J-1 and will receive the same extension(s), if applicable. Once the J-1 Exchange Visitor completes the program, leaves the United States, or changes status, the J-2 dependent must also depart the U.S. or change status accordingly.
The Office of International Programs (OIP) must be notified, and documentation may be required, if any of the following occur:
J-2 status is available for eligible dependents (spouse and/or unmarried children under the age of 21) of a J-1 Exchange Visitor. The J-1 principal must request J-2 documentation through the Office of International Programs (OIP).
To request J-2 status, the J-1 Exchange Visitor must email global@utep.edu with the required documentation listed below.
Once all required documents are received, OIP will process the request within 3–5 business days.
After processing, OIP will contact the J-1 Exchange Visitor via email with further instructions.
The J-2 status of any family member(s) is dependent upon the status of the J-1 Exchange Visitor. J-1 Exchange Visitors may not depart the United States and leave J-2 dependent(s) in the country for extended periods of time. Additionally, J-2 dependents may not remain in the United States after the completion or cancellation of the J-1 program.
J-2 dependents are also required to maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States.
J-2 dependents should follow the same travel instructions and guidelines as J-1 Exchange Visitors.
Before traveling outside the United States, please ensure that your dependent’s DS-2019 has a valid travel signature.
If a travel signature is needed, the J-1 Exchange Visitor may contact global@utep.edu.
The information contained on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not replace instructions provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Due to frequent government updates, the Office of International Programs (OIP) may make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of this page at any time without prior notice. These directions are intended to assist you in preparing your application but should not be considered legal advice. USCIS makes the final determination on all applications.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is a personal application that must be completed and signed by the applicant. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application is accurate and complete before submitting it to the U.S. government. ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ and OIP cannot be held liable for any delay, denial, or errors related to your application.
J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization in the United States provided that the income earned is not needed to support the J-1 Exchange Visitor.
Authorized employment allows J-2 dependents to work an unlimited number of hours per week in any type of employment. Applications for J-2 employment authorization must be submitted directly to USCIS and do not require approval from the Office of International Programs.
USCIS processing times may take several months. Employment authorization is granted in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). J-2 dependents may not begin employment until the EAD has been received.
The EAD is typically mailed directly to the J-2 dependent’s U.S. address as listed on the application. Upon receipt, carefully review the card for accuracy and note the expiration date.
International travel is not recommended while the application is pending with USCIS.
Refer to the Form I-765 instructions on the USCIS website to determine the correct mailing address for your application.
We recommend obtaining a tracking number when mailing your application and keeping copies of all documents submitted in case your package is lost.
To receive email and/or text confirmation that your Form I-765 has been accepted by USCIS, you may include Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance clipped to the front of your application. There is no fee for this service.
USCIS will issue a receipt notice a few weeks after your application is received. Save the receipt number to track the status of your case at .
USCIS typically grants employment authorization through the end date listed on the DS-2019 form submitted with the application. However, the EAD expiration date may differ. Carefully review the expiration date on your EAD and plan accordingly.
EAD renewals are permitted as long as both the J-1 and J-2 are maintaining valid status and hold valid DS-2019 forms. A new application must be submitted to USCIS. Renewal applications should be submitted no earlier than 180 days and no later than 90 days prior to the current EAD expiration date.
If the current EAD expires while the renewal application is pending, the J-2 dependent must stop working until the new EAD is received.
For general guidance or questions related to J-2 employment authorization, contact the Office of International Programs at global@utep.edu.
J-2 dependent children are permitted to engage in study, including part time study, at any elementary or secondary school (i.e. kindergarten through twelfth grade). All J-2 dependents may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature, including study on a fulltime basis. They may also engage in research or volunteer during part or all of your J-1 exchange program. J-2 dependents must have work authorization in order to be paid for any such activity.
If dependents will only be making brief trips to the U.S. to visit the J-1 student, they may choose to do so with a B tourist visa or on the Visa Waiver Program (if eligible) instead of obtaining an J-2 visa. The best option will depend on the situation and the true nature of the visit—whether they intend to reside in the U.S. or just make brief visits.
Advantages of an J-2 visa include the ability to study and stay for an extended period, while disadvantages include the requirement to show proof of funding for all J-2 dependents during the visit.
For countries where obtaining a B visa is difficult, an J-2 may be a better option. Also, any family members who choose to enter on a B visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (if eligible) must prove they intend to depart the U.S. within the allotted time period (usually 3-6 months), which can be more difficult to show since the J-1 student resides in the United States.
Friends and family members who are not the legal spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 of the J-1 student are not eligible for an J-2 visa, and should use a B tourist visa or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to visit.
For questions about B tourist visas or the VWP, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney.