J-2 Dependent
A J-1 Exchange Visitor's spouse and children may be eligible for J-2 visa status. Other family members are not eligible for J-2 status. Persons in J-2 status can enroll in school and are eligible to apply for employment authorization with USCIS. Once registered, J-2 dependents are issued a form DS-2019 in their name.
J-1 visitors on the Texas Tech Exchange Visitor Program are eligible to receive a DS-2019 for their dependents issued by the Office of International Affairs.
To begin, a J-1 visitor must bring the following documents to the office:
- Documentation of J-1 status
- Documentation of financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents
- Biographical information on each dependent.
- A J-2 Dependent Information form
*Note: J-1 visitors on other programs must consult with their Responsible Officer of their program about bringing dependents to the US.
Initial J-2 Dependent DS-2019
Once the above documents have been provided, the Office of International Affairs will issue an initial J-2 dependent DS-2019. The DS-2019 will be used to apply for a J-2 visa at a US embassy or consulate in your home country. The J-2 dependent must provide financial evidence, documentation of the family relationship, and evidence of intent to return home after being in the US.
Approval of J-2 visa applications is not guaranteed simply because the J-1 visitor is in the US. Instead, consider the quality of the interview and evidence provided to support the initial DS-2019.
When a J-2 visa is approved, the dependents may arrive in the US. Then, they are required to report to the Office of International Affairs with their immigration documents. Current address information for J-2 dependents must be maintained with the Office of International Affairs just as it is for J-1 exchange visitors.
*Note: The Department of State regulations require J-2 dependents to maintain health, repatriation and evacuation insurance.
For questions about J-1 Scholars or students, please make an appointment below.
J-2 Dependent Employment
J-2 dependents are eligible to apply for employment authorization through the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The wages from the J-2's employment cannot be used to support the J-1 Exchange Visitor. Applications from J-2 dependents in Lubbock are filed with the Texas Service Center of USCIS.
When work authorization is approved, the J-2 dependent will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, also called an "INS form I-766." With this card, the J-2 dependent can work part-time or full-time, at any job, for any employer within the dates of validity on the card. EAD cards are issued for one year or until the program end date on the J-2's form DS-2019, whichever is shorter. An EAD card can also be used to show eligibility for a Social Security Number (SSN).
USCIS may take 2 to 4 months or more to process the application for employment authorization. A J-2 dependent can only work within the start/end dates seen on the EAD. Although a J-2 dependent can apply for an extension and a new card by following the same application procedures as the first time, there is no guarantee that the new card will be received before the expiration of the first card. There iare no employment authorization extensions until a new EAD card arrives and the dates listed on it.
Employment Application Procedures
- Complete an immigration form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization" showing "(c)(5)( )" in item 27. In Part 1 the address should be your home address.
- A copy of any previously issued EAD cards.
- Two color passport photos taken within the last thirty days, with a white background.
- A copy the J-2's and J-1's forms I-94.
- A copy of the J-1's and J-2's form DS-2019.
- A $410 check or money order payable to "DHS."
- A letter from the J-2 to the USCIS requesting employment authorization, telling why the J-2 wishes to work, and stating that money from the employment will not be used to support the J-1 spouse.
- Mail applications to the following address:
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to USCIS Dallas Lockbox:
USCIS
P.O. Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
J-2 Dependent Travel
The Form DS-2019 can be used by dependents to obtain J-2 visas from overseas at US consulates and for entry into the US.
How to travel with a DS-2019:
- Upon entry or re-entry into the United States, copies of all immigration documents should be provided to the Office of International Affairs (OIA).
- OIA should be notified of any plans for future travel by a J-2 dependent outside the US.
- A Form DS-2019 that is not used must be returned to OIA within 90 days.
- OIA should be notified of the final departure of a J-2 dependent from the US including the date of departure and port of exit.
- Appropriate Health, Repatriation, and Evacuation Insurance must be maintained on all J-2 family members while they are in the US.
International Affairs
-
Address
601 Indiana Avenue, Lubbock, TX 79409-5004 -
Phone
806.742.3667 -
Email
oia.reception@ttu.edu