J2 visa requirements. ? Then you're going to need to apply for a J2 visa.

J2 visa requirements Visitor Guard® Visa Aug 12, 2025 · Journalist Visa (J-1, J-2) The long stay J1 is for resident journalists, the short stay, J2, is for those who are visiting for short term assignments. Jul 18, 2025 · Learn how to transfer from a J2 to F1 visa, including the process, benefits, and drawbacks. Jul 18, 2025 · Wondering if you can switch from a J1 to J2 visa? Here are the immigration steps you need to know for changing your visa status, including the documents and requirements involved. Sep 25, 2025 · These requirements apply equally to J1 primary visa holders and J2 dependents. ). Learn about requirements, application, validity and more. Department of State (DOS) for participation by J-1 exchange visitors. The J1 visa holders are approved to work, study, teach, conduct research, or get job training. There are many nonimmigrant visas available. 14) that J visa holders carry health insurance for the entire duration of their lawful stay in the United States. S. Did you know that as a J1 or J2 student visa holder, you must meet certain health insurance requirements? Learn about what health insurance you need and more. Dependent children cannot remain in J-2 visa status after their 21st birthday. May 28, 2025 · To apply for a J2 EAD card, you must file the form I-765 by mail with the USCIS. Jul 18, 2025 · Discover the process of transferring from a J1 to J2 Visa, including the benefits and drawbacks of making the change in visa status. All J1 and J2 visa holders need to show proof of adequate medical insurance coverage, meeting the US Department of State requirements. This document will permit dependents to apply for J-2 visa stamps at a U. What are the requirements for obtaining a J2 Visa? Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor J1 visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require exchange visitor visas (“derivative” or “dependent” status J visas). The duration of the stay under a J-2 visa is the same as the duration of the associated J-1 visa. Alternatives There are several different ways to purchase J2 Mar 8, 2025 · The J-2 visa is US non-immigrant visa for dependents. Please review the USCIS instructions in addition to this guide and consult with a BIO adviser if you have questions or if there are any inconsistencies. Eligible dependents are the spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21 years of age) of the J-1 exchange visitor. 39. citizens (e. Navigate your US visa journey with confidence. Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. J-1 visitors submit information about J-2 dependents during the J-1 application process. J2 Visa Insurance Requirements J2 visa holders must purchase a compliant insurance plan that meets the minimum requirements for J2 visa insurance, which are the same requirements as a J1 visa insurance. under 8 USC 1101 (a) (15) (J) of the Immigration & Nationality Act, to take part in an exchange visitor program designated by the United States Department of State (DOS), Bureau May 30, 2019 · J2 visa insurance is required for spouse and minor dependents (children under the age of 21 years) who accompany the J-1 visa primary applicant on a J-2 visa. Who is eligible? Eligibility for a J-2 Visa depends on the specific exchange program being offered to the J-1 non-immigrant by a sponsor organizations. ) Sep 12, 2024 · A J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States temporarily. These requirements include: $100,000/incident in medical maximum $50,000 emergency medical evacuation $25,000 repatriation of remains Deductible not to exceed $500 Approval of the J-1/J-2 visa depends in part upon the applicant’s ability to prove strong ties to the home country and a clear intent to return home upon completion of or early withdrawal from training, as mandated by §214 (b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended . Health Insurance Requirements for J2 Visa Holders All children and spouses on a J2 visa will be required to carry insurance coverage that meets the same minimum requirements as a J1 visa holder. The J-2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa for immediate family members of J-1 Exchange Visitors. Oct 24, 2023 · Valid J-1 or J-2 visa; and Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status (Form DS-2019), issued in the exchange visitor’s (or accompanying dependent family member’s) name by a program approved by the U. The J1 visa is for the exchange visitor and the J2 visa is for the spouses and dependents of the J1 visa holder. You alone are responsible for the accuracy of your Form I-765, for timely filing, for including all required documentation, for including the correct fee, and for properly maintaining your J-2 status. Willful failure to carry insurance is considered a violation of your legal status and can result in termination of your program. If the extension hasn’t been approved by USCIS, the J-2 visa holder must stop working once the initial EAD expires. Unlike other types of visas, there is no cap on how many people can receive a J-2 visa. Other family members, such as parents, brothers, sisters, etc. […] Jun 5, 2025 · J2 visa holders have the same health insurance requirements that J1 visa holders do. Department of State rule, each person on J visa (includes both J1 visa and J2 visa) is required to carry the health insurance that meets the minimum criteria. J-2 visa holders are dependent on the status of the J-1 person, so any changes to the J-1 status will result in changes to the J-2 status too. J-2 visa holders may not apply for an extension of their employment authorization until the J-1 visa holders have their status extended. Apr 19, 2019 · J Visa Health Insurance Requirements As mandated by the U. Nonresident aliens who are in the United States on a H1B, TN, O1 or J2 visa are subject to Social Security and Medicare as well as unemployment tax. In order to work in the United States, J-2 visa holders must obtain an Employment Authorization Document from the Department of Homeland Security. J-2 dependents cannot work/study during the 30-day grace period at the end of the program. What Is a J-2 Visa? A J-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that’s issued to spouses and dependents (unmarried children under the age of 21) of J-1 visa holders to enter the United States. Apr 2, 2025 · J2 Visa for dependents of J1 Visa holders, including work authorization, study options, application process, and required documents. J-2 dependents must apply for and receive work authorization from USCIS before engaging in employment The J-2’s eligibility to study and/or work ends when the J-1 principal completes their program. Your chosen insurance provider must meet or exceed these coverage levels to comply with federal regulations. Submitting your J-2 Employment Authorization Application May 30, 2019 · Spouses and/or children may accompany an exchange visitor and qualify for J-2 visas if dependents are included on the DS-2019. J-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for spouses or unmarried underage children J-1 visa holders. They should also have their own DS-2019 form and proof of the funding noted on the DS-2019. g. Accompanying children must be under the age of 21 and unmarried. It allows spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years old) to join the primary J1 visa holder in the United States. . Department of State, effective May 15, 2015, all J visa holders, J1 visa and J2 visa, are mandated to carry health insurance that meets the following requirements at minimum: Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per incident (accident or sickness) Jul 18, 2025 · The J2 to J1 visa transfer process involves finding an eligible program, obtaining a Form DS-2019, and filing Form I-539. J-2 Status Requirements Individual DS-2019 for Each Dependent Each person in J-2 status must have their own DS-2019. Embassy or A J-1 student in valid status may request for a spouse and/or children to join him or her as J-2 dependents. , children born in the U. However, dependents don’t need to separately apply for waiver, as they are automatically included in J-1 visa waiver application. Discover the advantages of changing visa status. Click to learn more! J-2 dependents who end their program early, either because they've exited the U. This page provides information regarding how to add J-2 dependent family members to your J-1 record, as well as other helpful information and resources such as J-2 work authorization and study. (Please note, if they turn 21 while in the US, they need to return home or apply for a new (different- F1, M1, J1) visa as their J2 visa will expire when they turn 21. You will need the following documents for getting J-2 visa: Mandatory Documents Current passport as well as old passports One photograph (Only for dropbox appointment J-1 Scholar Attestation: I understand that by law, as a J-1 exchange visitor, I am required to maintain health insurance which meets the U. Please check the upper right hand corner of your DS-2019 to be sure your family members are included. J2 visa holders are not eligible for online filing of form I-765, which is needed for the J2 EAD application. Dependents of J-1 exchange visitors (spouse and unmarried children under age 21) can enter the United States in J-2 status. How long can my J-2 dependents remain in the U. Learn about their rights, opportunities, and visa process. May 30, 2019 · If the primary visa holder on J-1 visa is subject to two-year home-country physical-residence requirement, his/her dependent spouse and children who received J-2 visa based on that J-1 visa are also subject to the same requirement. May 30, 2019 · Spouses and/or children may accompany an exchange visitor and qualify for J-2 visas if dependents are included on the DS-2019. edu. They must have a valid reason for their trip, such as accompanying the J-1 visa holder during their exchange visitor program or joining them later. Sep 10, 2025 · The J2 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for dependents of J1 visa holders. Department of State (USDOS) minimum requirements for myself and each J-2 dependent while my program is active. What Are the J-2 Visa Requirements? To be eligible for a J-2 visa, you must be: The spouse of a J-1 visa holder, or An J-2 visa-holders are authorized to work in the U. ? Then you're going to need to apply for a J2 visa. This does not include U. Jan 13, 2025 · The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training. Nov 22, 2024 · (2) Visa Application Form and photo One completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background attached (Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application) (3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship) As a matter of U. go smoothly. See the section 'How to Obtain a DS-2019 For Each Dependent' below for more information. The Office of International Affairs Is Here to Help. The J2 visa is a dependent visa for spouses and children of J1 visa holders. These health insurance for J2 dependents satisfy consular requirements while insuring valid medical expenses incurred during their stay in the USA. Get answers to your j2 visa interview questions and how to apply for j2 visa. Check I-765 USCIS processing timelines online. I have independently confirmed that my insurance coverage meets all USDOS requirements. The exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student and summer work travel do not permit J-2 Visas. are NOT eligible; however, they may be eligible for short-term visits as B-2 or WT tourists. as long as the J-1 is in the U. Find out how to smoothly transition from a J1 to J2 visa. The current processing time for EAD cards is 90 J2 Visa – Eligibility and Requirements In order to be eligible to apply for a J2, the J1 partner must be married to the J2 partner. Department of Homeland Security. Jun 21, 2021 · The J-2 visa is a dependent visa. The U. Spouses or unmarried children under 21 years old can accompany a J-1 visa holder with the J-2 visa. Dependents should be listed in Sep 27, 2025 · This page teaches the requirements, costs, processing times, visa extension, and application process of the J2 Visa for Spouse and Child dependents. J-2 visa holders are allowed to enroll in academic study, get a driver’s license, open bank accounts, travel in and out of the US anytime, as well as work under certain circumstances. They need coverage of at least USD $100,000 per accident or illness, coverage for medical evacuation and repatriation, and more. Aug 17, 2025 · Understand the J-2 visa, enabling J-1 exchange visitor family members to join them in the U. Understand the importance of the J-2 visa for dependents of J-1 visa holders, including requirements, work authorization and key details. J-2 dependents should have a valid passport with a valid J-2 visa stamp. law, J-1 and J-2 visa status holders are required to maintain appropriate health insurance for the duration of their J-1 program. [1] Any J-2 visa with the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can work for any employer in the US without sponsorship. Jun 5, 2025 · The J-2 visa allows eligible spouses and unmarried children under 21 to join J-1 visa holders during their stay. Nonresident Aliens on a F2 visa are not allowed to work and should never be placed on the payroll. To qualify for a J-2 visa, an applicant must meet the following criteria: They must be the spouse or a dependent child of a J-1 visa holder. Apr 10, 2024 · Are you a J1 visa holder wanting your spouse to join you in the U. Best J2 Visa health insurance, Health insurance for J2 visa J2 visa insurance plans provide health insurance coverage for these dependants of J1 visa holders. Jun 1, 2021 · J2 visa holders are required to have visitors health insurance in order to travel to the US. Nov 4, 2021 · Everything You Need to Know About the J2 Visa Health Insurance A J2 Visa is issued by the US for spouses and children of J1 exchange visitors. Learn more about the health insurance requirements for J2 visas. If you are or will be in J-1 status, your legally married spouse and dependent children under age 21 may be eligible for J-2 status to accompany you. Online immigration lawyer manages your j2 visa application. What are the J Visa Health Insurance Requirements? It is required by federal law (Title 22 Section 62. With the DS-2019 the J-2 dependent may apply for a J-2 visa at the U. These are rather specialist visas and there are several extra requirements including approvals, invitations from the Chinese media authorities, or itineraries. Funding Requirements The J-1 scholar must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources for the support Oct 16, 2025 · Learn everything you need to know about the J-2 visa, including how to apply, work, and requirements for spouses and children! Find out how to apply for j2 visa, requirements and eligibility. 350 J-2 visas were issued in 2017. As per the U. Consulate. Jun 27, 2025 · Learn about J-2 visa eligibility, benefits, and the application process in our detailed guide for 2025. Each dependent must have a separate Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status). May 30, 2019 · A J-2 visa is a dependent visa, and its immigration status ends at the same time as the associated J-1 visitor’s status. 15+ Award Winning Lawyer! Thousands of immigration cases won! A J-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States for spouses and dependents of J-1 exchange visitors. Income Tax Witholding Requirements Jan 14, 2025 · This tax guide will J2 visa spouses and dependents with a clear understanding on topics as tax residency status, tax exemptions, FICA taxes, tax treaties, W-2 forms, and how to file your J2 tax return at the end of the year. Information on eligibility, employment, and medical insurance requirements for J-2 student visa category. ? J-2 dependents are permitted to stay in the U. This particular visa is for foreign citizens Sep 10, 2013 · The J1 and J2 nonimmigrant classification is for exchange visitors (J1) and their accompanying spouses and minor children (J2) who are temporarily admitted to the U. as long as they obtain an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card from the U. and will not return again in J-2 status, or due to a change in nonimmigrant visa status, should report this to BIO at internationaloffice@berkeley. 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. This guide covers what you need to know about J-2 eligibility, application steps, rights, and responsibilities to help your family’s transition to the U.