J-1 scholars may request to bring immediate family members with them to PSU as J-2 dependents. Legally married spouses and children under age 21 are eligible for J-2 status. Family members can also come to the United States under a different visa if they qualify (e.g. F-1 student, J-1 scholar, H-1B worker, etc.).
J-2 Dependents Subject to Terms of the J-1
J-2 dependents are subject to all of the terms of the J-1’s exchange program.
- J-2s may only stay in the U.S. for the duration of the J-1’s stay. J-2s must depart the U.S. with the J-1 at the end of the program.
- J-2s must maintain their status by following the same rules as the J-1 (see Maintaining J-1 Status).
- If the J-1 is subject to the Two-Year Home Country Requirement, then all J-2 dependents will be subject to the requirement as well.
The J-2 status is “dependent” upon the status of the J-1. If the J-1 status is not maintained or ends, then the J-2 status ends too. Because “status” only exists when inside the U.S., J-1s must use caution if traveling out of the U.S. without their family members. Extended absences for non-program purposes can risk the status of J-2 dependents. See Extended International Travel for more information.
Health Insurance Requirement
All J-2s are required to have health insurance for their entire duration of stay in the U.S. Failure to have insurance is cause for termination of the J-1 program. See Health Insurance Requirements for details about the insurance requirement and insurance options. Proof of dependent insurance coverage must be submitted to International Scholar Services at the scholar or dependent check-in.
DS-2019 Request for J-2 Dependents
To request a DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for J-2 family members, you will need to submit the following documents to ISSS:
- Contact the ISSS office (jscholar@pdx.edu) and ask for a J-2 Dependent Request Form.
- Proof of financial support for J-1 and all J-2 dependents
- Copies of J-2 dependent passports
- Copy of J-1’s form I-94 (available at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home).
Inviting Other Family Members
Extended family members (parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, etc.), domestic partners, and unmarried couples are not eligible to come to the U.S. as J-2 dependents. These family members will need to apply for another visa type for which they qualify. Most commonly, they will need to apply for a B-1/B-2 Visitor visa or come to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. The International Scholar Adviser can assist you with letters and documents that can help these family members apply for the appropriate visa.
J-2 Employment
J-2 dependents may apply for a J-2 work permit from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Work permits will be issued in one year increments, or until the end date of the DS-2019, whichever is less. Income from J-2 employment may not be used to support the J-1. Applications take approximately 3-4 months to process. See J-2 Employment Authorization for more information and application instructions.
J-2 Study
J-2 dependents are allowed to enroll in part-time or full-time education programs at any level of study.
J-2s Turning 21 Years of Age
J-2 dependents who will turn 21 years of age while in J-2 status must either depart the U.S. by their 21st birthday, or apply for a different immigration status. J-2s turning 21 should consult an International Scholar and Faculty Adviser at least six months to a year in advance for planning purposes.
Family Support Services
Our web pages Life in Portland contain helpful information about the following family support services:
- Childcare
- Schools
- Family activities and support
- Spouse programs