J-1:Dependent Information

J-2 dependents are defined as a spouse or an unmarried minor child (under 21 years of age) of a J-1 student. J-2 dependents:

• may be admitted as a full-time degree seeking student;
• may be employed with proper work authorization granted by USCIS.
• may enter the U.S. with or after the J-1 nonimmigrant, but never before;
• must have a DS-2019 every time they travel outside the United States, separately from the J-1 nonimmigrant;
• may not remain in the U.S. after the J-1 student is absent from the U.S. unless temporary absence of less than five months.

Please visit our J Forms Section for more information.

Inviting an J-2 Dependent - Any J-1 students may invite his/her spouse or unmarried children to join them after arriving at KU by the following method:

1. Complete a DS-2019 Request form
2. Provide evidence of financial support (bank statement, sponsor letter) for the dependent(s); $3,400 per dependent.
3. Submit completed documents to an ISSS advisor by appointment.

An ISSS advsior will prepare the necessary SEVIS dependent DS-2019(s). The student's dependent(s) will then use the DS-2019, marked "for use by dependents", to apply for an J-2 dependent visa at an U.S. Embassy or Consulate in his/her home country. Important
When the J-2 dependents arrive in the U.S., the J-1 student must update his/her information to reflect the presence of dependents. Please bring all DS-2019 documents and family member passports to ISSS office.