I. Information about the J-2 Visa:

If you would like to invite your spouse or child to the United States as a J-2 dependent please review the below information carefully.

a. A J-2 dependent is defined as the spouse and any unmarried children under 21 years of age.

b. J-1 must provide confirmation of sufficient funds separate from Fulbright Grant for J-2 dependents' a) round-trip international travel, and b) US living expenses

c. You must provide Health Insurance Coverage in compliance with Exchange Visitor regulations.

d. J-2 employment in the US is not guaranteed. J-2 dependents apply directly to INS (IIE is not involved in J-2 employment requests). Financial need is not a criterion for J-2 employment.

e. J-2 status in the US terminates when the J-1 status is over. J-2 may not remain in the US without the J- 1 for "any extended period of time."

f. Since the J-1 is subject to the two-year home residence requirement, so is the J-2.

g. Check with your IIE Regional Office to determine if you are eligible to invite your family member(s) per country policies. We can also give you the approximate amount of funding you must document to support your family. This will be based on the cost of living in your area.

II. Obtaining a DS-2019 from IIE:

In order for your family member(s) to apply for J-2 visa(s) they must apply directly at the American Embassy in their home country. Among documents required for a J-2 visa application is a DS-2019 from IIE. In order to obtain the DS-2019 from IIE please follow the below instructions.

Please submit to your IIE Regional Office the following documents:

1) 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 your Fulbright Grant.

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 Center will send you a DS-2019 to facilitate your family's application for a visa.

The DS-2019 is not a visa and does not mean an application for the visa will be approved.

III. Applying for a J-2 Visa:

In order to apply for a J-2 visa for your family please contact the American Embassy in advance to enquire about the following:

a. What are the specific times and days the American Embassy accepts J-2 visa applications?

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

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

d. How long will it take to receive the J-2 visa's?

f. Are there photo specifications?

e. Are there any additional documentation aside from the DS-2019 that the J-2 visa applicant will need?

IV. After the J-2 Dependents Arrive:

After your family arrives in the United States please send to IIE: 1) a copy of their J-2 visa

2) a copy the I-94 Card

3) a copy of the process DS-2019

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

Useful Links Regarding J-2 Dependents

J-2 Health Insurance Coverage

Insurance Companies Which Offer J-2 Health Insurance

Links to U.S. Embassies & Consulates around the World