International Center University of Florida

J-2 Status Requirements

To maintain valid visa status, J-2 dependents are required to:

• Maintain current, valid copies of all required documents at all times:
  - Form DS-2019
  - Passport
  - I-94 record

Add a J-2 Dependent: Before J-1 Program Begins

If any J-2 dependents intend to arrive with the J-1 exchange visitor at the start of the J-1 program, they should be included in the initial DS-2019 Request. The request must include proof of sufficient additional funding (see below).

Add a J-2 Dependent: After J-1 Program Begins

To request a J-2 Form DS-2019 after the J-1 exchange visitor is already in the United States, the J-1 exchange visitor must submit a request (on request here, please link to the request page). The following materials will be required:

• Scan of each dependent’s passport bio data page
• EVS processing charge (online application will link to payment portal)
• Proof of sufficient additional funding (see below)
• Proof of appropriate health insurance
  - Coverage for each J-2 dependent must begin the date their application is submitted, not the date they intend to arrive in the U.S.
  - This means the exchange visitor must purchase health insurance for time when the J-2 dependents are outside the U.S.

REQUEST ADD J-2 DEPENDENT

Funding Requirements

The University of Florida has minimum funding requirements for all exchange visitors it sponsors. Sufficient funding for the entire program activity period must be verified by EVS staff before a Form DS-2019 can be issued.

The chart below provides minimum funding requirements for exchange visitors and their dependents for monthly and annual periods:

Remove a J-2 Dependent

If any J-2 dependents voluntarily end or legally become ineligible for J-2 status, their Form DS-2019 must be canceled.

Potential reasons to remove a J-2 dependent:

• J-2 dependent will leave the U.S. with no intent to return during the J-1 program
• J-2 dependent was approved to change from J-2 to another U.S. visa status
• J-2 dependent child turns 21
• J-2 dependent child marries
• J-2 dependent spouse and J-1 exchange visitor divorce

To remove a J-2 dependent, the J-1 exchange visitor must email their EVS advisor.

NOTE: EVS will only issue one (1) initial Form DS-2019 per J-2 dependent per J-1 program. This means if a J-2 dependent’s Form DS-2019 is canceled, they will not be issued a new Form DS-2019 during the same J-1 program. The primary purpose of the J-2 visa holder is to accompany the primary J-1 visa holder. The J-2 must reside with the J-1 primary at all times during their program at UF.

J-2 Employment

J-2 exchange visitors are permitted to work if they obtain proper authorization. Authorization must be received before the work begins.

To be eligible for work in the U.S., J-2 dependents are required to do the following:

• Apply for and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
• Work only during the time the EAD authorization is active, and only once they physically possess the EAD card.
• Reapply to renew EAD before it expires.
  - Applications can be submitted up to 180 days prior to the current EAD expiration date.
• Cease work if the EAD expires; the J-1 program ends; or the J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor’s visa status changes or ends.

NOTE: J-2 dependents cannot seek employment to financially support the J-1 exchange visitor or any J-2 dependents. A J-2 dependent’s income cannot be a financial necessity for the family to live in the U.S.

Volunteering

Volunteering is often considered employment for immigration purposes. J-2 dependents may volunteer while in the U.S. but must comply with all visa regulations.

• They can freely volunteer for charitable or philanthropic purposes.
  - They cannot participate in any fundraising activities, such as selling art or food, unless they have valid work authorization from the U.S. government.
  - They must obtain and physically possess authorization before starting any activity.
• They cannot volunteer in any other ways unless they obtain and physically possess the approved, valid EAD before starting any activity:

If an exchange visitor violates these regulations, even accidentally, they may lose J-2 visa status or face other serious immigration penalties.

For more information, please contact EVS.

EAD Application Process

J-2 dependents (spouses or children of working age) who want to apply for work authorization must submit the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application, which consists of the following:

1. Form I-765.
   • J-2 dependents are not eligible to submit Form I-765 online.
   • For Question 27. Eligibility Category: The eligibility code for J-2 EAD designations is: first box: (c), second box: 5, third box: blank.
   • Do not leave any boxes blank; if a question is not applicable to the J-2 applicant, put “Not Applicable” in that space
   • Print the form after completion and sign in the space provided
     • Signature must be in blue or black ink and cannot be digital
2. Brief letter requesting work authorization.
   • Follow this example letter format.
   • By signing the letter, the J-2 applicant is confirming all information is accurate and true.
3. Application processing fee payment
   • Fee is $410.00 USD and nonrefundable
   • Payment may be made through money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card
     • Check or money order must be payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.
     • If paying with a credit card, include form G-1450
4. Signed Copy of Form DS-2019 for J-2 applicant and J-1 exchange visitor
5. Copy of current J visa for J-2 applicant and J-1 exchange visitor.
   • If applicable, include copy of USCIS change-of-status approval notice (only if current J status was obtained through an in-country change-of-status)
6. Copy of current passport for J-2 applicant and J-1 exchange visitor
7. Copy of most recent I-94 record for J-2 applicant and J-1 exchange visitor
8. (If Applicable) Copy of any previous EAD cards (front and back)
9. Marriage Certificate (include English translation as well if original not in English) (Only applicable to J-2 spouse applicants)
10. Birth Certificate (include English translation as well if original not in English) (Only applicable to J-2 child applicants)
11. Two (2) passport-regulation photos taken within the last six (6) months
    • Print the J-2 applicant’s full name and most recent I-94 number in pencil on the back of each photo.
    • EVS does not recommend using current passport or visa photos, even if they are recent.
12. Form G-1145 E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

Once a J-2 applicant has prepared all the above documents, they must mail them to USCIS through the U.S. Postal Service via certified mail. This will allow applicants to track their shipment and verify delivery.

Once USCIS receives the EAD application packet, it will mail a receipt (I-797C – Notice of Action). This receipt will confirm the date the EAD application packet and payment were received and contain a receipt number. It is typically sent within two (2) weeks of the packet delivery.

Applicants can track their application progress online using their I-797C receipt number.

NOTE: If an applicant changes their U.S. address between submitting their application and receiving a decision from USCIS, they must update it online here.

If the J-2 applicant does not have a Social Security Card, they can request one on form I-765 by answering “Yes” to question 14 and 15. They do not need to apply separately for a Social Security Card in person at the Social Security Administration office. The Social Security Card usually arrives in the mail separately a few weeks after the EAD arrives.

For more information, please contact EVS.