J-2 Family Members
Eligible spouses and unmarried children under age 21 may accompany a J-1 Exchange Visitor or join the visitor later in J-2 status. Each J-2 dependent must receive an individual Form DS-2019 and complete the applicable visa and admission process.
J-2 status is connected to the principal exchange visitor’s J-1 program. This page explains how to request J-2 documentation, prepare for arrival, maintain required health insurance, and report changes affecting a dependent.
Include Dependents in the Sponsorship Request
The initial CSUSB J-1 sponsorship application asks whether a spouse or child will accompany the exchange visitor or join the visitor later. ISSS reviews the dependent information and available financial support before issuing an individual Form DS-2019 for each eligible family member.
CSUSB currently requires evidence of at least $555 in additional financial support per month for each J-2 dependent. This is a CSUSB funding standard and may change. Confirm the current amount with ISSS before submitting the request.
If a spouse or child will be added after the initial sponsorship process, email ISSS before making visa or travel arrangements.
Email ISSS to Add a J-2 Dependent
For each proposed dependent, be prepared to provide:
- A copy of the passport biographical page;
- A marriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificate for a child;
- A certified or otherwise acceptable English translation when a document is not in English;
- Evidence of sufficient additional financial support;
- Health-insurance information, when requested; and
- Any additional documentation needed for ISSS to review the relationship or prepare the dependent record.
Do not purchase airline tickets or make final visa arrangements until ISSS confirms that the dependent request has been reviewed and the Form DS-2019 is available.
Include J-2 Dependents in the Arrival Check-In
J-2 dependents who arrive with or after the J-1 Exchange Visitor should be included in the in-person ISSS check-in process.
Bring or provide copies of each dependent’s:
- Passport identification page;
- J-2 visa, when applicable;
- Form DS-2019; and
- Form I-94 retrieved after admission to the United States.
ISSS will review the documents and confirm that the dependent’s arrival information is reflected appropriately in the immigration record.
Maintain Health Insurance for Every J-2 Dependent
Each J-2 dependent must maintain health-insurance coverage that satisfies the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program requirements throughout the period of participation.
J-2 dependents may enroll in the CSUSB-sponsored F-1/J-1 health-insurance plan. A family choosing different insurance must follow the alternative-coverage review process and demonstrate that the coverage satisfies the applicable requirements.
Ask ISSS About J-2 Health Insurance
Email updated documentation to ISSS if:
- A dependent is added to the J-1 program;
- The dependent’s insurance policy changes;
- Current coverage expires or is renewed;
- A dependent will remain in the United States during a J-1 program extension; or
- ISSS requests documentation during an immigration review.
The federal insurance requirement applies to accompanying spouses and dependents as well as principal exchange visitors.
Studying in J-2 Status
J-2 dependents may study in the United States. Admission to a CSUSB academic program, registration, tuition, campus fees, and other university requirements are handled separately from the dependent’s J-2 immigration documentation.
A dependent planning to pursue an academic program should contact the appropriate admissions office to understand the application and enrollment requirements.
Employment Requires USCIS Authorization
A J-2 dependent may not begin employment merely because they hold J-2 status. The dependent must first apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and receive a valid Employment Authorization Document.
ISSS does not prepare or adjudicate the Form I-765 application. Dependents should review current USCIS instructions or consult a qualified immigration attorney for case-specific advice.
Income earned by a J-2 dependent may not be used to support the principal J-1 Exchange Visitor.
Contact ISSS When a Dependent’s Circumstances Change
Email ISSS promptly if:
- A J-2 dependent will permanently depart the United States before the J-1 Exchange Visitor;
- The J-1 and J-2 spouses divorce or the qualifying marital relationship otherwise legally ends;
- A J-2 child marries or is approaching age 21;
- A dependent changes or plans to change immigration status;
- A dependent’s name, passport, email address, or other identifying information changes;
- The J-1 wishes to add a spouse or child to the program; or
- Another event may affect the dependent’s eligibility or immigration record.
Some changes may end the individual’s eligibility for J-2 status or require ISSS to update the dependent’s SEVIS record. Do not wait until the J-1 program ends to report an earlier permanent departure or change in the qualifying family relationship.
Plan for Travel or Departure
J-2 dependents should review their immigration documents before international travel and coordinate travel plans with the principal J-1 Exchange Visitor.
Use the related Exchange Visitor pages for detailed guidance:
- Requesting a travel signature and preparing for reentry;
- Reviewing Forms DS-2019, visas, passports, and Forms I-94;
- Reporting a dependent’s early permanent departure; and
- Preparing for departure when the J-1 program ends.
Changes, Travel & ExtensionsCompleting Your Program & Departure
Questions About a J-2 Dependent?
Contact ISSS before adding a dependent, making travel arrangements based on newly issued documentation, or taking action that may affect a dependent’s J-2 status.
Include the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s name and SEVIS ID, the dependent’s name and relationship to the J-1, and a brief explanation of the request.