Spouses and children
A J-2 dependent is defined as a spouse or an unmarried minor child of J-1 scholar.
A J-2 dependent
- May enter the United States along with or after the J-1 nonimmigrant but never before.
- May be employed with approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and an EAD card.
- Must have his or her own Form DS-2019 to enter the United States and to travel and re-enter.
- May be admitted to school and attend classes as a full-time or part-time student.
- May not remain in the U.S. in J-2 status after the J-1 student has departed unless the absence is temporary.
Inviting a J-2 dependent
J-1 faculty and staff may invite spouses or unmarried children to join them in the United States after arriving at the University of Missouri by following these steps:
- Complete and submit a document request form to the International Center.
- Provide evidence of yearly financial support for the dependent(s) as follows:
- $8,400 per year or $700 per month for spouse
- $4,800 per year or $400 per month for each child
- Obtain a Form DS-2019 from the International Center that allows a dependent to enter the U.S.
J-2 dependents apply for J-2 dependent visas at a U.S. embassy or consulate with their own Forms DS-2019. When applying for a J-2 visa, an original or certified copy of a marriage license, for a spouse, or birth certificate, for a child, must be submitted in addition to evidence of financial support. For information regarding additional documentation consult the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Be sure to sign up for the International Center's International Spouses Network!
