Dependent J-2 Information

Definition of a J-2 Dependent
J-2 dependents are classified as a spouse or an unmarried child (under 21 years of age) of the J-1 student/ scholar. Other family members, such as parents, brothers, sister, etc. are not eligible. However, they may be eligible for short-term visits as B-2 or WT tourists. Although dependents usually enter as J-2 dependents, they are not required to do so. They may enter as tourists or in other visa classes for which they qualify. A J-2 dependent/spouse is in status only while the J-1 is in status.

J-2 Dependents may:

  • Be admitted as a full-time student
  • Be employed with authorization from USCIS
  • Not remain in the U.S. if the J-1 student is absent from the U.S., unless the temporary absence is less than 5 months.

Requesting a DS-2019 for a J-2 Dependent

If you are a current J-1 student and would like to invite your spouse and/or your children to join you at UMD, you are required to show the following:

  • Submit a Request for DS-2019 that includes dependent information
  • Copy of your dependent's passport
  • Past 2 months bank statements showing a consistent balance of $4,500 for each dependent.
  • A document (current assistantship award letter, personal savings account statement, sponsor's statements, etc.) that proves that the student has adequate funding for all of his/her current educational and living expenses.
  • We will not process applications for new international students to add dependents until they have been attending the University for two months. For students who matriculate in Fall, the date is November 1, for Spring is April 1.

* IES will not process applications for new international students to add dependents until they have attended the University for two months. For students who matriculate in the Fall, the date is November 1, ; for Spring, April 1.

J-2 Employment

J-2's are allowed to work in the US. Authorization for employment is from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Checklist for J-2 Employment

  • Letter from applicant (Expressing the need for employment, amount and source of J-1 funding support, and a statement that the income earned by the J-2 will not be used for the support of J-1).
  • Form I-765 (answer for question number 16 is c5).
  • Photocopy of both sides of J-2's I-94 (white card in passport), a photocopy of J-1's DS-2019.
  • 2 color photographs of J-2 (Note: the photos must meet certain specifications. A list of the specifications is attached to the application that you pick up in IES.) You can obtain photos on-campus at Photographic Services, 5201 Paint Branch Parkway, Suite 1117, 301-405-0577, 2 photos for $10.50
  • Check for $340 made payable to: Department of Homeland Security and mailed to:

I-765 : J-2 Employment form

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

  • The applicant will receive a receipt by mail. If the application is approved, an approval notice and employment authorization card (EAC card) will be mailed directly to the applicant at the address listed on the form I-765. The applicant cannot begin working until the card is received. It is recommended that applications to extend employment authorization be filed 90 days before the current EAC expires.
  • Income earned by J-2's is subject to Social Security taxes as well as federal, state, and local income tax. More information on income tax requirements is available in IES. J-2's can apply for a Social Security number AFTER they have received employment authorization.

Note: The regulations state that the employment should be “used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel”, among other things. Employment authorization will be issued in the form of a photo identification card called an EAC - Employment Authorization Card. The J-2 should show this card to the employer at the time he/she is hired.

For more information, see an advisor in the International Education Services Office (IES), 3116 Mitchell Building. Phone: 301-314-1469, e-mail: iesadv@deans.umd.edu.

International Family Orientation
The Office of International Education Services welcomes spouses to the University of Maryland. The next program will be on Tuesday, August 26 at 1:00 pm in Biology-Psychology 1236.