The J-2 Visa: How J-1 Holders Can Bring Their Families to the United States

The J-1 Intern and Trainee programs are excellent opportunities for foreign citizens to gain valuable experience in American businesses while learning about the local culture. But for people with a spouse or children, many months apart can feel like a lifetime! The J-2 visa allows J-1 visa holders to bring dependents such as a legal spouse and/or children with them while they live in the U.S. 

Read on to learn more about the J-2 visa and how AIFS Professional Pathways can help. 

What is the J-2 Visa? 

The J-2 visa allows a J-1 program participant to be legally accompanied by their dependents for the duration of their stay in the U.S. J-2 visa holders may remain in the U.S. for some or all of the J-1 visa holder’s program duration. If travel dates are not aligned or the J-2 holder departs earlier, your visa sponsor (such as AIFS Professional Pathways) should be notified. 

J-2 holders are eligible to work and/or study during their time in the U.S. However, work authorization cannot be applied for until after arrival.  

Like the J-1 holder, they must maintain compliant health insurance while in the U.S. As your J-1 visa sponsor, AIFS Professional Pathways provides all program participants with comprehensive and compliant health insurance. J-2s must also report emergencies, loss of DS-2019, international travel, and insurance changes. 

Who Qualifies for the J-2 Visa? 

The J-1 holder’s dependents, such as legal spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, qualify for the J-2 visa if they are a non-U.S. citizen. The J-1 holder’s sponsor will request proof of legal relationships and copies of valid passports before issuing federal documents to the accompanying individuals. 

Obtaining the J-2 Visa 

The following steps are required to obtain a J-2 visa: 

1. Supply your visa sponsor with biographical information and proof of legal relationships (marriage certificate, birth certificate(s), copies of passports). 
2. Demonstrate financial ability to cover living expenses for both the J-1 and their J-2(s). 
3. Your visa sponsor will issue form DS-2019 Certificates of Eligibility for the J-2 applicant(s), whose federal records are connected to the J-1 holder. 
4. Attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate to apply for the J-2 visa with the J-1 applicant OR apply separately after the J-1 holder has arrived in the U.S. 

AIFS Professional Pathways—Your J-1 & J-2 Visa Partner! 

Navigating the J-1 and J-2 visa processes on your own can be challenging. Fortunately, AIFS Professional Pathways is an official Department of State-designated J-1 and J-2 visa sponsor that makes this process easy for foreign citizens and their dependents. We issue applications and other required documents like form DS-2019 Official Training Plan, and are there to support you and your family throughout the process—before departure and throughout the program. We offer many valuable inclusive services such as 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance, and unmatched customer service to ensure everything goes smoothly for everyone involved. For all of your J-1 and J-2 visa needs, AIFS Professional Pathways is here to help! 

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