J2 Visa (Dependents of J1 Visa)

The J2 visa application is not very different from that of the principal J1 visa. The J1 visa sponsor just has to file different DS-2019 forms for each J2 applicant.

The Form DS-2019 includes details of the sponsor and exchange visitor. It also describes the program, including start and finishes dates, visa category, and estimated cost.

You have to fill and submit the nonimmigrant Form DS-160 online. The embassy will only start the processing after you pay your application fee. You’ll also have to submit all your documents.

After processing, you’ll get an interview appointment date to attend a visa interview at the embassy. At the interview, a consulate officer will ask about your plans in the U.S., your relationship with the J1 visa holder, and your finances.

Furthermore, you need to go for a medical examination and vaccination if necessary. The embassy typically recommends a doctor or clinic. They won’t accept your medical examination if you do it somewhere else.

You’ll get your J2 visa if the officer finds your interview satisfactory. With the visa, you can’t travel before the J1 visa holder. It’s either you travel at the same time with the J1 holder, or you travel later to join them in the United States.

The J2 visa is valid for the same period as the J1 visa. For example, a J2 visa will be valid for two years if the J1 visa is valid for two years.

If the J1 visa holder applies for and receives a visa extension, the J2 visa holder is also eligible for the same length of the extension. After approval, you will receive a new DS-2019 form.

Most J1 visa categories require two years of home residency, and the same applies to J2 dependents. Two-year home residency means that you must return to your country and stay for two years before applying for the same or a similar visa.

As a J2 visa holder, you may change your status to another nonimmigrant visa if the two-year home residency requirement doesn’t apply to the J1 category. Some J1 holders are also allowed to apply for a waiver to waive the mandatory home residency requirement. If the J1 visa is granted a waiver, the same waiver applies to you as their J2 dependent.

With the waiver, you may change your status if you find a job that qualifies you for a different visa like the H-1B visa. You may also become a green card holder to permanently live and work in the United States. This is because if the J1 holder qualifies for a green card, you as their J2 dependent automatically becomes eligible to apply for a green card as well.

The processing time for a J2 visa varies depending on a variety of factors. Notably, the workload at the embassy where you applied plays a major role. Another major factor is your country of residence.

The J1 visa processing time can also affect your J2 if applied together. A J1 visa takes about a week to two to process, and you could get your J2 visa within this time too.

However, if you apply for J2 differently or after processing the J1, it could take around 30 days to process. In most cases, the sooner you file for your J2 visa, the better.

As a J2 visa holder, you are eligible to work in the United States if you acquire a permit from USCIS. If the income from the job is not to support the J1 family member with whom the J2 is linked, then you can apply for the work permit.

The procedure is fairly simple. You mainly have to file an application for employment authorization to USCIS with Form I-765 and pay the filing fee. In addition to the form, you’ll provide other documents, including your DS-2019, J1 DS-2019, international passport copy, and passport photographs.

The address where you’ll file will be in Form I-765. Generally, you either file to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox or the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.

If approved, the USCIS will issue you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). An EAD application can take around 90 days to process, and the document is usually valid for a year or until the end date indicated on the DS-2019 – whichever comes first.

You can renew your EAD upon expiration, and it’s advised that you apply for renewal four months before expiration. With your EAD, you may also apply for a Social Security number (SSN).

J2 Visa holders may be permitted to enrol in academic programs as degree-seeking students.

You can enrol in any academic program, full-time or part-time. Notably, you should not apply to a school that requires relocation since you must reside with the J1 visa holder as a dependent.

If you haven’t finished your studies by the time your J2 visa expires, you may apply for a change to an F1 student visa. Your immigration status must be exempt from the two-year home residency requirement to apply for a status change.