Dependents

In order to bring dependents to the U.S., the J-1 exchange visitor must show evidence of financial resources sufficient to support their spouse and/or children. J-1 exchange visitors must show a bank account with at least $5,000 US for a spouse and $3,500 US for each child who will come to the United States.

If you have been in your program fewer than nine months, we will ask you to submit a letter of support from your academic advisor. This letter should state that you are adjusting well to the academic workload, and that the advisor has no concerns that bringing your family to the U.S. might adversely affect your academic success.

Next, complete the Request to Add a Dependent form in iDartmouth. Include:

• Most recent electronic I-94 record
• Dependent's marriage certificate (spouse) or birth certificate (child)
• Dependent's passport biographical data page
• Evidence of additional funding (no more than 90 days old)

The State Department Officer at the U.S. consulate where your family will apply for their visas will also require evidence of financial support. They may have different standards that you will have to meet. The figures listed above are requirements of Dartmouth College, not of the State Department.

Spouses in J-2 status may apply for employment authorization from the USCIS. OVIS has the required forms and instructions. The authorization will need to be renewed by application each year, and the wages earned must not be used to support the J-1 principal in any way. The J-2 may not start work until he or she has received the employment authorization card from the USCIS. This can take three months or more. Once the card is received, the J-2 must apply for a social security number.

Applying for J-2 Employment Authorization

The dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitors who have entered the U.S. in J-2 visa status are eligible to apply to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (CIS) for Employment Authorization by mail. There is no in-person application procedure.

Required Documents

• Fill out Form I-765, the application for employment authorization. J-2 dependents should consult I-765 instructions and contact OVIS with any questions. The "Eligibility Category" for J-2 work authorization is (c)(5)( ). The last set of parentheses should be left blank.

• Attach the correct I-765 filing fee. Personal checks are acceptable. Checks should be made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

• Evidence the J-1 principal foreign national is currently maintaining status:
  • Copy of Form DS-2019
  • Copy of most recent electronic I-94 record

• Passport biographical data page

• J-2 Form DS-2019 documents:
  • Copy of passport identification page
  • Copy of most recent electronic I-94 record

• Two identical U.S. passport-style color photographs of yourself taken recently, which must meet the following requirements:
  • The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
  • The photos must be 2 by 2 inches.
  • The photos must be in color with full-face, frontal view.
  • Head height should measure 1" to 1-3/8 inches from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin. Eye height is between 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 inches from the top of your eyes to the bottom of photo.
  • Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member.
  • Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and A-Number (if any) on the back of the photo.

• Evidence any income from this employment authorization will not be used to support the J-1 principal foreign national. This could be a cover letter stating something along the lines of the following: "To whom it may concern: I am applying for employment authorization as a J-2 dependent. My husband (or wife) is currently in J-1 visa status as a student (or scholar) and has sufficient funds for his (or her) support. Any income from my employment will not be used to support the J-1. I will use this income for purposes of cultural enrichment and recreation."You may elaborate on what types of cultural or recreational activities you wish to pursue, although it is not required. Add a statement that you have included the previously mentioned documents.

• Include evidence of all previously authorized periods of J-2 employment, if any.

Send all documents by certified mail with a return receipt or by express mail. Check the correct mailing address before mailing the application. Online filing is also available; please review the information on the USCIS website.

Individuals are not permitted to work until the EAD work card is received. OVIS requires a copy of the J-2 EAD card once it has been approved and received by the J-2 dependent.

If traveling outside and re-entering the U.S., the J-2 dependent must have the following:

• Form DS-2019 with valid program dates and valid travel signature (signature is valid for 12 months from date of signature)
   
• Valid J-2 visa stamp in passport (except for Canadian citizens who are visa-exempt)
   
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond entry date

Your U.S. visa does not allow automatic entry to Canada. Citizens of certain countries must have a valid visa to enter Canada.