Bringing Your Family

A primary Exchange Visitor (EV) can request to add their dependent spouse or unmarried minor child (under 21 years of age) to their SEVIS record. Once this is done, ISSS will issue a DS-2019 so the dependent can apply for a J-2 visa "status." Dependents will receive their own DS-2019 and have their own unique SEVIS ID number.

icon A dependent's status is connected to the J-1 Exchange Visitor's status. If the EV's status expires, terminates, or the EV departs the U.S. permanently, with no intent to return, the dependent's status will also be considered terminated. 

Applying for a J-2 Dependent DS-2019 from ISSS:

To request a dependent DS-2019, an "Add Dependent Request" e-form must be submitted. Dependent DS-2019s have a processing time of up to 10 business days. 

When submitting the e-form, be prepared to provide biographical information, such as given name, date of birth, and citizenship.

The following documents must also be uploaded to the e-form request:

• Copy of a dependent's biographical (photo) page from passport
• Copy of marriage certificate (for spouse) or  birth certificate (for child)
• Copy of the J-1 EV's DS-2019
• Financial Support Documents
  • For EV Students: $6,000 per dependent is required to support each dependent for one year
  • For EV Scholars (Researchers, Professors, and Student Interns): An additional $500 per month for the duration of the Exchange Visitor's program. Fore more information on funding for EV scholars, please review our Funding Documentation Requirements for J-1 Scholars page.
• Affidavit of Support: Required if the bank statement provided is from another source other than the EV student or EV scholar, such as from a family member. Please contact a member of the J-1 team for guidance on the affidavit of support should any questions come up. 

icon Once a dependent DS-2019 is received, the dependent must sign the form, unless a dependent is under the age of 14. If a dependent is under the age of 14, the J-1 primary Exchange Visitor must sign the dependent's DS-2019.

After Receiving a Dependent DS-2019:

OPTION 1: Dependent applies for a J-2 Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Abroad

 If a dependent applies for a J-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, preferably in their country of citizenship, it is recommended that they bring the following to the visa interview: the dependent DS-2019, along with a photo copy of the Exchange Visitor's documents (DS-2019, visa, passport, and I-94). 

For more information about this process and what additional (or country specific) documents are needed for a visa interview, please refer to visa application information on a U.S. Embassy or Consulate's website in your country of citizenship, or contact them directly. 

OPTION 2: Dependent is Already in the U.S. in Another Visa Status

If a dependent spouse or minor child is currently in the U.S. in another visa status (not J-2) and wishes to change their visa "status" to J-2 without departing the U.S., please schedule an appointment with a member of the J-1 team to discuss the process and timeline for a Change of Status (COS) through application to USCIS. Because a change of status process can be complicated, please make an appointment with a scholar advisor. 

Dependents may depart and re-enter the U.S. independently of their J-1 Exchange Visitor spouse or parent, as long as their EV spouse or parent is in Active SEVIS status.

Dependents must carry the following documents when entering the U.S.:

• Valid Passport
• Valid J-2 Visa Stamp in their passport
• Dependent DS-2019

**It is also recommended to provide photo copies of the J-1 Exchange Visitor's most current immigration documents (if traveling separately): passport, DS-2019, J-1 visa stamp, I-94. 

If an Exchange Visitor departs the U.S. without their dependent(s), dependent(s) may remain in the U.S. as long as the EV is in active status and plans to return after a temporary absence to continue their EV program. 

If an Exchange Visitor departs the U.S. after their official program end date and has not applied for an extension, or for students - applied for post-completion Academic Training, the dependent must also depart the U.S., and cannot re-enter on their current DS-2019 and J-2 visa.

What is "J-2" Employment Authorization?

Employment authorization is formal permission for a Dependent in J-2 “status” to work part-time or full-time, and on or off campus. A Dependent is defined as a spouse or unmarried minor child (under the age of 21) of a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV). Work authorization must be requested, and is not an automatic benefit. A Dependent is eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Once the EAD is received and the “valid from” date on the card has been reached, a
Dependent can legally begin employment in the U.S.

icon A Dependent can only apply to USCIS for employment authorization after arrival in the U.S. and only if employment is not for the purpose of financially supporting the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

General Guidelines for Dependent Employment Authorization

•  Dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization as long as their Exchange Visitor (EV) spouse or parent is in valid or legal J-1 "status."
• Employment authorization is a benefit a Dependent may apply for; however, working in the U.S. is not authorized until the petition is approved, the EAD card received, and the "from date" on the card has been reached. 
• A job offer is not required in order to apply for an EAD card.
• Employment is only authorized for the validity dates indicated on the EAD card. 
• Employment authorization is typically approved for a period of one year at a time, although it can be approved for the duration of the Ev's program, if longer than one year. Once approved, please keep in mind that employment authorization must be renewed prior to its expiration date in order to continue employment without interruption.
• If the EV changes their status to another classification or ends their EV program early and departs the U.S., the Dependent must stop employment, even if their EAD card has not yet expired, as they are no longer eligible for employment, since their eligibility is tied to the EV's status. 

Applying for Employment Authorization

 Gather the required documentation - In order to apply for employment authorization, a Dependent must provide the following documents when submitting an application to USCIS:

• Signed and completedForm G-1145 (E-Notification of Application Acceptance): this form is not required, but recommended. Completing this form ensures you will receive an email or text message when your application is received by USCIS.
• USCIS Fee: The payment of this fee should be in the form of a check or money order, made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Review Filing Fees or Calculate Your Fees from USCIS.
  • If using the calculator, select Reason for Filing: Permission to Accept Employment, Filing category: Foreign Students, Foreign Students: (c)(5). 
  • As of January 03, 2022, the fee is $410, although this is subject to change, and your responsibility to confirm the current fee amount.  See FAQ for instructions on how to complete a check.
• Two Identical Passport Photos: photos should be recent, recommended to be no more than 30 days old, and taken specifically for this application. Ensure the photos are proper U.S. passport size. Print your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo and place photos in an envelope. 
• Signed and Completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization): please see our I-765 Instruction Guide for more information in filling out this form.
• Employment Request Letter explaining the following:
  • Why employment is desired, such as personal enrichment, professional development, or cultural exchange.
  • Indicate the source and amount of financial support that already exists for your EV spouse.
  • Provide a breakdown of monthly expenses of your family's household. 
  • Demonstrate that the financial support received by your EV spouse is sufficient to cover all monthly expenses listed in the breakdown. 
  • Describe how the income derivied from the Dependent employment will not be necessary to support your EV spouse and/or family while in the U.S. 
  • Review our J-2 EAD Letter Template as an example .
• Copies of the Dependent DS-2019, visa, passport, and I-94 (DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS)
• Copies of the Exchange Visitor DS-2019, visa, passport, and I-94 (DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS)
• Evidence of the Dependent's Relationship to the Exchange Visitor:
  • If dependent spouse: provide copy of marriage certificate.
  • If dependent a minor child: provide copy of birth certificate.
  • Note: If possible, please include a certification of translation, if the birth marriage certificate are not in English (recommended, but not required)
• Reviewing Your Application Documents: Once you have gathered all the required documentation as listed above, you are welcome to make an appointment with the J Scholar Team. An advising appointment to review your packet is not mandatory, but it is recommended. In order to make an appointment to review your application packet, please call the ISSS office at 801-581-8876 or email the J-1 Scholar Team at internationalscholars@utah.edu.
• Mailing Your Application Documents: When you are ready to submit your application packet to USCIS, use the address as listed on the USCIS website. Note: The address of the USCIS Lockbox varies depending on the mail service provider you select and the state you are living in, such as Utah.
  • Tip: We recommend making copies of all the documents in your packet, including the check or money order mailed to USCIS as proof of payment. It is important to keep these copies in a safe place, in case your packet is lost in the mail or if an error has been made on your EAD card. 

Receiving the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card

•  The application for employment authorization takes an average of three months for processing and review.
• If permission for employment is granted, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued and valid for any type of full-time or part-time employment for the period of time stated on the card. 
• A Dependent is not allowed to begin employment until after receiving the EAD, and employment cannot continue beyond the end date stated on the card. 

Extending Employment Authorization

•  Employment eligibility expires based on the expiration date found on the EAD card; however, it is possible to extend employment authorization (if eligible) by filling a new Form I-765, along with all new supporting documentation, and paying the I-765 fee. 
• Dependents are only eligible to request an extension based on the duration of the EV's Exchange Program as indicated on the DS-2019. The maximum possible duration of an EAD extension cannot exceed the duration of the EV's Exchange Program as found on the DS-2019.
• If requesting an EAD extension due to an Exchange Visitor's program extension, please keep in mind that any extension of stay of the Exchange Visitor must be approved prior to the application for extension of employment authorization. 
• In order to maintain continuous employment (without any gaps), a Dependent must file a Form I-765 sufficiently in advance of the expiration date of the current EAD, so that a new EAD extension application (Form I-765) is approved before the expiration of the current EAD card.
• The dependent can apply for an extension of work authorization up to 180 days before the EAD expires.
• If the current EAD expires while the Form I-765 is pending, a Dependent must cease employment activity until receiving the new EAD.