Living in the U.S. & Information for J-2 Dependents

Housing (Off-Campus)

There is private housing available off-campus, but often at a greater distance from the University. Most housing is rented on a contract or lease basis. The lease is a legal document giving the terms of the rental agreement. Be sure to read it before you sign. A security deposit, normally equal to the first month's rent, is usually required when you sign. It will be returned by the landlord, minus any damage or cleaning charges, at the end of the contract. For more information about local apartments for rent go to: http://www.kentuckyconnect.com

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J-2 Dependent

Admission To The U.S.
The spouse and unmarried minor children of J-1 Exchange Visitors who accompany the principal participants to the U.S. or follow to join them at a later date are designated as being in J-2 status.

Dependents accompanying the principal Exchange Visitor to the U.S. or joining later will obtain their J-2 status on the basis a Form DS-2019 issued to each dependent, as well as proof of relationship to the J-1, either marriage certificate of birth certificate.

Upon entry to the U.S. , each dependent is issued an I-94 Arrival/Departure Record marked D/S (Duration of Status) indicating the date of entry and classification. Their stay is valid as long as the expiration date on the form DS-2019 is valid. Their DS2019 forms will be stamped with the arrival date.

Change of Status
J-2 dependents may change to another status (F-1, for example) only if they are not subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement or they have had that requirement waived. They must also be otherwise qualified for the change. Regulations do not allow a change of category to J-1 Research Scholar or Professor if the J-2 has been physically present in the U.S. over 6 months during the twelve month period immediately preceding the date of program commencement.

Employment for J-2 Dependents
Holders of J-2 status may apply for permission to work from the US Citizenship and Immigration Service. This involves a fee of $340. Instructions and applications are available in 211 Bradley Hall. It usually takes around 3 months to process the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Employment may begin only after the EAD is received. When the J-2 visa holder receives the EAD, he/she may apply for a Social Security Number.

Extension of Stay
Extensions of stay are granted for J-2 dependents for the same period of time allowed the principal J-1 participant if they have valid passports.

Working Dependents in J-2 status are subject to federal, state, local, and Social Security taxes.

Termination of Program
The status of J-2 dependents terminates in the U.S. with that of the J-1 participant. Dependents report their departure from the U.S. in the same way as the J-1 participant, by surrendering Form I-94 at the time of departure.

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