A J2 visa may be obtained by a J1 visa holder’s spouse and minor children. A J2 visa holder may remain in the U.S., for as long as the J1 visa holder remains/maintains legal status in the U.S. A J2 visa holder may apply to USCIS to change his or her status in the U.S. to a different classification.
A J2 visa holder may apply for a work permit to USCIS.
A J2 visa holder may engage in full or part time study.
Spouse and children of J1 visa holders who wish to visit or accompany the J1 visa holder to the United States.
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal exchange visitor J1 visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require exchange visitor visas (“derivative” or “dependent” status J visas). The application procedure is the same as that for a primary visa applicant. The sponsor must approve the accompaniment of the spouse and/or children, who will each be issued their own Form DS-2019.