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If you are or will be in J-1 status, your legally married spouse and dependent children under age 21 may be eligible for J-2 status to accompany you. This page provides information regarding how to add J-2 dependent family members to your J-1 record, as well as other helpful information and resources such as J-2 work authorization and study. Additional resources for you and your dependents can be found on our Community Resources page.

To  Add a Dependent to your SEVIS record

You may request to add J-2 dependents prior to beginning your J-1 program (at the time of submitting your J-1 Initial eForms) or follow the instructions below to add your J-2 dependents after you have already received your J-1 DS-2019 form.

Funding Documentation

You may be required to show $300 per month, per dependent and funding to cover the estimated cost of health insurance based on your current funding situation. Please use the worksheet to calculate the minimum funding you must demonstrate to request a J-2 DS-2019 for your dependent. Contact the OIS for more information about funding.

  1. Gather acceptable documentation for financial support that meets or exceeds the minimum required funding discussed above. Use the worksheet to calculate the total minimum funding you may have to show
  2. Legible scanned copies of the passport id page for each dependent
  3. Submit the above to the OIS via iHopkins in a timely manner 

To submit your J-2 Dependent Request:

  • Go to http://ihopkins.jhu.edu
  • Click “Login” under “Active JHED Login”
  • Login with your JHED ID and password.
  • Once logged in, click on “J-1 Scholar Services” in the menu on the left, then click on “J-2 Dependent Request (Add Spouse/Children)” e-Form. Submit an e-Form for each dependent you are requesting J-2 status for.
  • You will be required to upload all the documents as one PDF file

*Please email oistechsupport@jhu.edu for any iHopkins login or eForm issues.

Applying for J-2 Visa Stamp

J-2 Dependents may apply for their visa stamp at the same time as the J-1 principal or separately after the J-1 has already obtained their visa. For accurate and complete details regarding the visa application process and to schedule your dependent’s visa interview please see the U.S. Department of State website. Please be sure to review the website of your specific local U.S. Embassy/Consulate because directions and/or documentation requirements are often country and site specific. You can access the directory of local consulate websites at http://www.usembassy.gov/.

Necessary documents for J-2 visa application

  • Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
  • Certificate of Eligibility for J-2 dependents (DS-2019)
  • All applicable visa application forms and fees
  • Supporting documentation including copies of the principal J-1 immigration documents, proof of study or program at JHU, financial support documentation, and documentation to establish relationship to the J-1 principal
  • Any other documents required by your local U.S. Consulate

J-2 Reporting Obligations

  • Individuals in J-2 status are required to provide the OIS with their email address.  
  • If a J-2 departs the U.S. before the J-1, the OIS must be notified in writing so that we can update the J-2 SEVIS record.  Notify the OIS by email: J1-Advising@jhu.edu. 

J-2 Work Authorization

J-2 work permits are obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) through an application process that usually takes 3-4 months to complete. Employment may not begin until the J-2 has received the work permit, called the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

J-2 work permits allow the holder to work in any job, full-time or part-time, but employment may not extend beyond the end date on the EAD. Extension of work permits is possible, up to the end date of the form DS-2019. Please note that the extension process also takes 3-4 months, so plan ahead if you want your employment to be continuous (without any gaps between work authorization periods).

EAD Application Process

To apply for an EAD, mail the items listed below to the USCIS. Be sure to keep photocopies of the entire packet for your records. You can download a pdf of J-2 Work Authorization Application Instructions.

  • $410 application fee. Your fee must be the correct amount or your application will be returned. Check or money orders must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” A name and an address must be printed on the check; temporary checks are not allowed. See the USCIS website for instructions on how to write a check.
     
  • I-765 Form Complete the form and don’t forget to sign at the bottom. The code for question 27 is “(C)(5)( )”.
     
  • Photocopy only of both the J-1’s and J-2’s DS-2019 forms
     
  • Photocopy of Passport Biographical Page (including the passport expiration)
     
  • Photocopy of most recent I-94 document
     
  • Brief letter explaining that the work permission is not to support the J-1

Study in J-2 Status

There is a no regulatory restriction on study for J-2 dependents which means they may study part-time or full-time. In the case of children, K-12, study may be required based on the state in which you reside. J-2 dependents may not remain in the U.S. beyond the stay of the principal J-1 in order to continue schooling unless they first obtain the appropriate student visa status.

If you have questions about J-2 Exchange Visitor status, please contact the OIS at J1-Advising@jhu.edu.