Many J-1 exchange visitors come to the United States with their families. The J-2 visa is for a dependent spouse or an unmarried child who is under the age of 21. J-2 status enables dependents to stay in the United States during the J-1 visitor’s program.
J-1 visitors submit information about J-2 dependents during the J-1 application process.
Yes. The opportunity to work is one of the advantages of J-2 status. We will help you get started.
Sometimes a different visa status is more appropriate than the J-2. For example, a dependent may be eligible for other visas if the visit will be brief. A dependent child over the age of 21 is not eligible for J-2 status. The J-1 visitor can consult with us about the best option for his or her dependents.
J-1 visitors have to show adequate financial support for each J-2 dependent. You need to show $500 per month for the first dependent, and $300 per month for each additional dependent.
J-2 dependents follow the same travel procedures as J-1 visitors. Regulations require that OIS be notified when J-2 dependents depart the United States. Please contact ois@iu.edu if your J-2 dependents depart the United States.
A J-1 visitor must maintain his or her status in order for J-2 dependents to stay in the United States. If the J-1 is out of the country for a significant period of time, this might affect the J-2’s ability to remain in the United States. Contact us for help with your specific situation.
J-2 dependents can enroll in IU courses as part-time or full-time students. They will have many choices of courses and fields. IU Bloomington alone offers more than 500 academic programs, ranging from accounting to youth development.
