Many J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States with their families. The J-2 visa is for a dependent spouse or an unmarried child who is under the age of 21. J-2 status enables dependents to stay in the United States during the J-1 visitor’s program.
J-1 visitors submit information about J-2 dependents during the J-1 application process.
Yes. The opportunity to work is one of the advantages of J-2 status. We will help you get started.
Sometimes a different visa status is more appropriate than the J-2. For example, a dependent may be eligible for other visas if the visit will be brief. A dependent child over the age of 21 is not eligible for J-2 status. The J-1 visitor can consult with us about the best option for his or her dependents.
J-1 visitors have to show adequate financial support for each J-2 dependent. You need to show $500 per month for the first dependent, and $300 per month for each additional dependent.
J-2 dependents follow the same travel procedures as J-1 visitors. Regulations require that OIS be notified when J-2 dependents depart the United States. Please contact ois@iu.edu if your J-2 dependents depart the United States.
A J-1 visitor must maintain his or her status in order for J-2 dependents to stay in the United States. If the J-1 is out of the country for a significant period of time, this might affect the J-2’s ability to remain in the United States. Contact us for help with your specific situation.
J-2 dependents can enroll in IU courses as part-time or full-time students. They will have many choices of courses and fields. IU Bloomington alone offers more than 500 academic programs, ranging from accounting to youth development.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized changes to the Duration of Status (D/S) policy affecting many F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors.
