J-1 Status for Spouses, Partners and Children
The spouse or partner and dependent children of the J-1 Research Scholar are eligible for J-2 status and may use this status to accompany the J-1 individual to the U.S.
Dependents are defined as children under the age of 21 and legally married spouses. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial resources for their support.
J-1 Research Scholars that intend a spouse, partner, or child to join you after your arrival should contact the International Office for further instructions.
Applying for J-2 Status
Each person in J-2 status must have their own DS-2019. If the spouse and/or dependent child will accompany the J-1 scholar, this information must be conveyed by the host department at the time of requesting the initial DS-2019 form.
If the spouse and/or dependent child will join the scholar in the U.S, the scholar will request the DS-2019 from the International Office.
With the DS-2019, the J-2 dependent may apply for a J-2 visa at the U.S. Consulate.
J-1/J-2 Insurance Requirement
All J-1 Research Scholars and their J-2 Dependents are required to maintain health and accident insurance coverage during the entire time they participate in an J-1 program.
Minimum coverage must provide:
- Medical benefits;
- A low deductable per accident or illness;
- Expenses associated with the medical evaluation to the home country; and
- Repatriation of remains.
Insurance arrangements should be made by the J-1 Research Scholar and their J-2 Dependants prior to departure from their home country. Evidence of insurance must be presented to the International Office at the first J-1 check-in session.