Your immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) are eligible to enter and remain in the U.S. as J-2 dependents during your J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
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Bringing Your Family
To request a DS-2019 for a family member who wishes to apply for a J-2 dependent visa, please contact IFSS. You will need to present a copy of the biographical page of each dependent’s passport, a marriage certificate if you will bring a J-2 spouse (with translation if not in English), a birth certificate for any J-2 children (with translation if not in English), and proof of financial support to cover your family’s living expenses and health insurance.
Maintaining Status
J-2 dependent status is reliant upon your J-1 Exchange Visitor status. Therefore, you cannot exit the U.S. and leave your J-2 dependents in the U.S. for long periods of time. Once your J-1 program is complete or if your program is terminated, you and your dependents must exit the U.S. together.
J-2 Employment
J-2 dependents may apply for employment authorization through U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) after arriving in the United States. The J-2 cannot apply for work permission until they are in the U.S. Visit this page for application procedures and fees.
Once work permission is approved the J-2 will receive an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) which will allow them to begin work. The UW requires an EAD card even for unpaid positions in campus departments.
J-2 Study/Research
J-2 dependents may enroll in full-time or part-time study for the duration of your J-1 program.