J-2 Visa: Who Qualifies and Can J-2 Holders Work?
Table of Contents
What Is a J-2 Visa?
The visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a J-1 participant who come along or join later.
Key Takeaways
- For your spouse and unmarried children under 21.
- Each family member gets their own DS-2019, if the sponsor approves.
- J-2 holders can apply for a work permit in the US.
- Who
- Spouse, unmarried children under 21
- Needs
- Sponsor approval and own DS-2019
- Work
- With an EAD from USCIS
- Insurance
- Required for J-2 too
Who Can Come Along
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can travel with you or join you later. The sponsor has to approve this, and each of them gets their own DS-2019. Their visa application follows the same process as yours.
Not every exchange category allows J-2 family members, so ask your sponsor early.
Source: J-1 Visa: About the J-2 Visa
Can a J-2 Work?
In most cases yes, with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The money a J-2 earns may not be used to support the J-1 participant.
Source: J-1 Visa: About the J-2 Visa
Insurance
Spouses and children who accompany you must also be insured for health care throughout their stay, see Health Insurance.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance
FAQs
Can a J-2 work in the US?
In most cases yes, with an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. The income may not be used to support the J-1 Visa.
Source: J-1 Visa: About the J-2 Visa
Can my family join me later?
Yes. They can come with you or join you later.
Source: J-1 Visa: About the J-2 Visa · J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)
The Bottom Line
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come on J-2 visas if your sponsor and category allow it, and J-2 holders can apply for permission to work.
Related Terms
- Health InsuranceCoverage every J-1 participant must have for the whole program, with minimum benefits set by US rules.more
- DS-2019The Certificate of Eligibility your J-1 sponsor issues. You need it to apply for your visa.more
- Visa InterviewThe appointment at a US embassy or consulate where you apply for your J-1 Visa with your DS-2019.more
- J-1 CostsWhat a J-1 internship or traineeship costs besides the trip, from the SEVIS fee to living costs in the US.more
- J-1 InternA US exchange visitor category that lets students and recent graduates train at a US company for up to 12 months.more
- J-1 TraineeA US exchange visitor category for people with a degree and work experience abroad, with training at a US company for up to 18 months.more
Sources
- J-1 Visa: About the J-2 Visa
- 22 CFR § 62.14: Insurance
- J-1 Visa: Common Questions (US Department of State)