J-2 Dependent Status for Spouses and Children
Who is eligible for J-2 Status?
The spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the J-1 Exchange Visitor are eligible for J-2 dependent status. A J-1 Exchange Visitor at Penn can be either a “student” or “scholar”.
How can I become a J-2 Dependent?
Each J-2 dependent must have his/her own Form DS-2019. This DS-2019 Form can be obtained from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) by the J-1 status holder. Once the dependent has the DS-2019 Form, he/she must either.
- Apply for an J-2 visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas (except Canadian citizens). Gain J-2 status through entry to the United States by presenting their dependent DS-2019 Form, passport and J-2 visa stamp (accompanied by any supporting documents) at the U.S. Port of Entry.
- Apply for a Change of Status within the U.S. (please meet with an ISSS advisor at OIP for further details)
or
Initial J-1 Students
If a student is applying for his/her own initial DS-2019 and will be accompanied by dependent(s), he/she needs to be sure to include dependent information (and funding should be adequate) in the appropriate section of the DS-2019 application. The school that has admitted the student to Penn will provide him/her with this application.
Initial J-1 Scholars
When completing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Data Form, provided by the scholar’s hiring department, the scholar should fill in the section requesting information on any dependents accompanying him/her to the US.
Continuing J-1 Students and Scholars
When requesting a dependent DS-2019 after the student or scholar is in the US in J-1 status, he/she needs to submit the Request for Service: I-20 or DS-2019 for Dependents form with the appropriate financial funding information. This form is available online.
Employment while in J-2 Status
J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization from the USCIS as long as the employment is not for the purpose of supporting the J-1. See J-2 Work Permission for instructions.
Study while in J-2 Status
J-2 children are permitted to enroll in elementary or secondary schools while in the U.S. Currently, the regulations do not have a prohibition for J-2s engaging in post-secondary study on a full-time basis, as long as their primary purpose in the U.S. is to accompany the J-1 status holder.
Travel and Reentry in J-2 Status
J-2 dependents follow similar travel and reentry procedures as the J-1 status holder, but should carry copies of the J-1’s most recent immigration documents if traveling separately.
Extension of Stay
The duration of the J-1 status holder's program is stated in item 3 of the DS-2019. If the J-1 is eligible and applies for an extension of stay, the dependent's period of stay will automatically be extended.
J-1 Students can request an extension by completing the “Student Program (I-20 or DS-2019) Extension Request” form
J-1 Scholars must discuss their program extension with his/her sponsoring department at Penn, who will forward a request for an extension to OIP.
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