Information for Current Grantees - J2 Dependants

1. The J-1 visa holder must provide confirmation of sufficient funds, separate from Fulbright funding, to cover J-2 dependents'
   
   a) round-trip international travel
   b) U.S. living expenses.
2. You must provide Health Insurance Coverage in compliance with Exchange Visitor regulations.
3. J-2 employment in the U.S. is not guaranteed. J-2 dependents apply directly to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); IIE can not be involved in J-2 employment requests. Financial need is not a criterion for J-2 employment.
4. J-2 status in the United States ends when the J-1 status terminates. A J-2 holder may not remain in the U.S. without the J- 1 for any extended period of time.
5. Because the J-1 holder is subject to the two-year home residence requirement, the J-2 holder must also comply with the requirement.
6. Check with your IIE Regional Contact to determine if you are eligible to invite your family member(s) to accompany you, since home country policies may vary. You must demonstrate with documentation, bank statements, etc., that you have sufficient funding to support your family. This will be based on the
   cost of living in the state/city of the United States where you reside.

Obtaining a DS-2019 Form from IIE:

In order for your family member(s) to apply for J-2 visa(s) they must apply directly at the U.S. Embassy in their home country. Among the documents required for a J-2 visa application is a DS-2019 form from IIE. In order to obtain the DS-2019 form from IIE submit to your IIE Regional Contact the following documents:

1. A fully completed and signed J-2 Dependent Data Sheet. The returned form must be completed and signed.

2. Proof of funding for your J-2 dependents. This can be either a recent bank statement or letter from your bank verifying sufficient funding. Please note that the funding for your family must be separate from, and additional to, your Fulbright Grant. Fulbright requires that you show personal funds equal to 50% of your monthly maintenance rate for the first J2 dependent that will join you in the U.S., and 25% for each additional dependent. To check the rate for your location, contact your IIE Representative.

3. You may also be asked to submit verification of health insurance coverage.

4. The biographical data page of each dependent's passport (including full name, date of birth, and place of birth).

Once you have submitted the above documentation and, if all is in order, your IIE Regional Contact will send you a DS-2019 form to facilitate your family's application for a visa. NOTE: The DS-2019 form is not a visa and does not mean an application for the visa will be approved.

Applying for a J-2 Visa:

In order to apply for a J-2 visa for a family member, please contact the U.S. Embassy in advance to enquire about the following:

1. What are the specific times and days the U.S. Embassy accepts J-2 visa applications?

2. Should the J-2 visa applicant expect to be interviewed?

3. What are the required fees for the J-2 visa application?

4. How long will it take to receive the J-2 visa?

5. Are there specifications for photographs?

6. Is there any additional documentation, aside from the DS-2019 form, that the J-2 visa applicant will need?

After the J-2 Dependents Arrive:

After your dependents arrive in the United States, please send to IIE:

1. A copy of their J-2 visa

2. A copy the I-94 Immigration Card

3. A copy of the DS-2019 form

Be sure to inform the International Students Office on campus that your family has arrived. Many such offices have programs and services for J-2 dependents.

Useful Links Regarding J-2 Dependents

• J-2 Data Sheet (Writable PDF)
• J-2 Health Insurance Coverage
• Insurance Companies that Offer J-2 Health Insurance
• U.S. Embassies & Consulates around the World