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




top