J-2 Dependents

• J-2 status is limited to spouses and children, no extended family or servants.
• J-2 dependents are allowed to study and work in the U.S. In order to work, the J-2 will have to apply for work authorization from USCIS by filing form I-765.
• J-2 children are allowed to attend U.S. public schools (Kindergarten-12th grade).
• A J-2’s status is dependent on the J-1. Should the J-1 lose his or her status or leave the U.S. the J-2 status also ends.
• J-2 children lose their J-2 status once they marry or reach 21 years of age. If the J-2 child wants to remain in the U.S., he or she should apply for an independent status prior to the end of the J-2 status.

Add J-2 Dependent

Submit the following to the ISSOJ1@utdallas.edu:

• J-1 Student DS-2019 Request Form
• Proof of financial support for yourself for your entire J-1 program plus $5000 for a spouse and $3000 for each child
• Copies of the information page of each dependent’s passport

Provide the following to your dependents for their J-2 visa interview outside the United States or Change of Status application inside the United States:

• Original J-1 DS-2019
• Copies of J-1’s DS-2019, passport, visa, I-94
• Marriage or Birth Certificates
• Proof of Financial Support
• J-1’s UTD Transcript
• If approved for the visa, the J-2 dependents may join the J-1 student for part or all of the J-1’s stay (with exception of adult J-2 children mentioned above).
• Note: J-2 dependent must be covered by sufficient medical and repatriation insurance for the duration of their stay in the U.S.

J-2 Dependent Resources

Some of the requirements and benefits of the J-2 status holder are similar to the J-1 status holder and some are different.

Immigration Documents

Each J-2 must carry the following documents to maintain their dependent status in the United States:

• Passport valid for at least six months into the future
• Valid DS-2019
• Valid I-94
• Visa stamp (validity only necessary for entry to the United States)

Insurance Requirement

While in the United States, J-2 dependents must have valid health insurance that meets the Department of State requirements:

• The insurance is applicable for use in the U.S. medical system
• Medical: $50,000 or more per accident or illness
• Deductible: $500 or less per accident or illness
• Medical evacuation: At least $10,000 of coverage
• Repatriation: At least $7,500 of coverage
• Business rating: Meets federal solvency guidelines.

To meet federal solvency guidelines, the insurance meets at least one of the minimum requirements listed below:

• Is underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-” or above, a Standard and Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of “A” or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above, or such other rating service as the Agency may from time to time specify; or
• Is backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor’s home country; or
• Is part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; or

Is offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service

Study in J-2 Status

There is no regulatory restriction on study for J-2 dependents. However, if J-2’s wish to remain in the United States to pursue an education beyond the age of 21 they must change their status to F-1. They may only apply for a change of status to F-1 with USCIS if they have obtained a waiver of the 212(e)  Two-Year Home Country Physical Requirement. Otherwise they will have to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate outside the United States.

J-2 Employment

Eligibility

• J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to work in the United States.
• They may be granted work authorization by USCIS if the employment is not to support the J-1 student.
• If approved the J-2 may work in any job, in the United States, for part-time or full-time employment.
• The EAD may be issued for up to one year at a time.
• The J-2’s employment is only valid if the J-1 is maintaining status.
• Each renewal of the J-2’s EAD requires an additional application to USCIS.

Application Process

Compile the following documents:

• Form I-765;
• Form I-765 fee;
• 2 photos  – The instructions to Form I-765 state that the photos must have been taken no more than 30 days before filing the form;
• Copy of the current DS-2019 of the J-2;
• Copy of the current DS-2019 of the J-1;
• Copies of Forms I-94 of both the J-1 and J-2;
• Letter from the J-2 stating why the employment is desired, indicating the source and amount of support for the principal participant, and specifically stating that the income derived from employment will not be used for the support of the J-1 exchange visitor. A J-2 does not need to demonstrate financial need to receive employment authorization.

Mail the application to the USCIS Lockbox Facility with jurisdiction over the J-2’s place of residence.

Social Security

In order to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and card, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires J-2 dependents to provide proof of valid J-2 status and work authorization.

A J-2 may apply for an SSN if they hold a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Visit the ISSO webpage on SSN applications for more information.

Driving

Driving in the U.S.

Driving in the U.S. requires a valid U.S. driver’s license and sufficient driver’s insurance. Insurance requirements vary by state. Your insurance must meet the requirements for the state in which you reside. If you own a vehicle, there are additional requirements.

• In Texas, driver’s licenses are managed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• If you have a valid license from your home country and your country recognizes an equivalent U.S. license as valid, you may drive up to one year on the out-of-country license.
• To get a Texas driver’s license you will take written and driving exams and show proof of insurance.

Resources

1. For information about obtaining a Texas driver’s license, pick up a brochure in the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO).
2. See the Texas Department of Public Safety website for driving laws.
3. See the Texas Driver’s Handbook, page 3-1 for information about Texas insurance requirements.
4. Car owners must register their vehicle.