International students who are on the J-1 visa are allowed to bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States. In order to do so the J-1 visa holder must request a J-2 DS-2019 for each dependent so that they can apply for a J-2 visa.
Things to know
J-2 dependents can remain in the United States as long as the J-1 student remains in valid J-1 visa status.
J-2 dependents can study without any limitations--they are allowed to study part-time, full-time, for a degree, leisurely, etc.
J-2 dependents are allowed to get employment in the United States as long as its purpose is not to support the J-1 visa holder.
J-2 dependents who wish to get employment must apply to USCIS for permission to work and receive work authorization.
Application process can take 2-3 months.
J-2 dependents must not begin employment until the start date printed on their Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
J-2 dependents may enter the United States with or after the J-1 visa holder, but never before.
J-2 dependents must leave when J-1 visa holder completes their program of study and leaves the United States.
When traveling internationally, J-2 dependents must receive a travel signature from the OIE as well as the J-1 visa holder.
If your F-2 child is under 6 years old and you plan to place them in childcare, be sure to start searching now and secure a spot as soon as you get a visa. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU ARRIVE HERE! Finding childcare in Emporia is currently quite challenging. ESU has a childcare center on campus, but they are not accepting any new applications due to its upcoming closure.
Next steps
Submit the J-2 DS-2019 request form from the button below.
Before you start the request form, make sure your program sponsor is Emporia State University. The OIE is not able to issue J-2 DS-2019s if ESU is not your program sponsor.
Be sure to submit all required information and documents and click the Submit button at the end of the form. Without this, the OIE will not see your submission. The required documents are:
Financial guarantee or bank statement that's less than 6 months old. This must show that you have enough funds to support the cost of attendance for the J-1 visa holder AND additional $3000 for each dependent.
Passport scan of the dependent(s)
Email oisa@emporia.edu to notify that you have submitted the request form
Wait until you hear from the OIE. The wait time may vary depending on your student status--if you are an active student already studying at ESU, it will take up to 10 business days. If you are a prospecting student who has not arrived here yet, you will most likely receive your J-1 DS-2019s with your J-1 DS-2019 upon acceptance.
Apply for a J-2 visa.
If you are a prospective student planning to arrive with your J-2 dependents, please email oisa@emporia.edu and let the OIE know about it. This is important especially if you plan to take our airport shuttle with your family.
