J-2 Dependents
J-2 dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried, minor child of a J-1. A minor child is under the age of 21.
J-2 dependents:
- may enter the US along with or after the J-1 nonimmigrant but never before
- must have health insurance during the entire J-1's program (not just their stay in the US) that meets the US Dept of State requirements as listed in the Exchange Visitor Program Welcome Brochure.
- may be employed with approval from USCIS in the form of an Employment Authorization card (also know as an EAD). Click here for application material and instructions (requires Adobe Acrobat).
- This card would be required before the J-2 could obtain a paid position at Purdue.
- The J-2 must enter the US before applying AND
- Processing time for these applications is around 4 months.
- may not be in a Visiting Scholar position even with an EAD card.
- may attend classes at the university
- may be admitted as a full-time degree seeking student
- would be subject to the 212(e) Home Residence Rule if the J-1 is subject
- would be subject to the 12 Month Bar if physically present in the US more than 6 months
- may remain in the US after the J-1 departs if the J-1 scholars's departure is temporary. A J-1 scholar could temporarily depart for 21 days or less. However, non-personal reasons would allow a scholar to have a longer departure but be considered temporary. Click here for a site discussing what constitutes a scholar's temporary departure. Scroll down to the bullet point "If a scholar is outside of the US for over 21 days for personal reasons"
Inviting a J-2 Dependent
J-1 scholars may invite a spouse or unmarried child after arriving at Purdue University by the following method:
- Submitting a Visiting Scholar Request Form to ISS
- Providing evidence of financial support for the dependent(s) as stated on the request form in step 1.
- Providing a copy of the dependent(s) passport(s)
- Email intlscholars@purdue.edu to request instructions to submit the request
- Obtaining a Form DS 2019 from ISS that allows a dependent to enter the US
J-2 dependents apply for J-2 dependent visas at the US Embassy or Consulate with the Form DS 2019. When applying for a J-2 visa, an original or certified copy of a marriage (for spouse) or birth certificate (for child) must be submitted in addition to financial support.
Finally, once a J-2 has left the US and has no plans to return during the J-1's program, please report this departure to ISS, asking that the J-2 status be ended. J-1 scholars should email intlscholars@purdue.edu to report the end of a J-2's status.