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J-2 Dependents — USC OIS

[Photo] A sunlit campus lawn with mature trees, benches and winding walkways stretches toward academic buildings and a tall brick tower topped with a globe sculpture. Long shadows across the grass and filtered light through the trees create a peaceful outdoor scene.

J-2 dependents must follow the same travel rules as J-1 exchange visitors. This means they should carry:

  1. Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of the reentry to the United States.
  2. Valid J-2 visa in passport (except for dependents from Canada).
  3. Form DS-2019 with a valid travel endorsement from an OIS advisor. Signatures are valid for one year.
[Photo] A group of pedestrians crosses a city street at a marked crosswalk near campus, with several carrying backpacks or coffee cups. Apartment buildings, trees and stopped traffic line the intersection under a cloudy sky.

If the J-1 exchange visitor is subject to a bar, the J-2 dependents are also subject. To learn more, please visit our J-1 bars page.

[Photo] A person with a backpack walks across a wide brick plaza while looking at a smartphone. The geometric brick pattern fills most of the scene, emphasizing the open space around the pedestrian.

Dependents of J-1 exchange visitors are allowed to work part-time or full-time in the United States at the job of their choice. Please visit our J-2 dependent employment page for more information on how to apply for an employment authorization document with USCIS.

[Photo] A recruiter speaks with an attendee across a career fair table displaying a QR code sign and a poster reading "Day One Agency." Other attendees and employer booths fill the open event space in the background.

J-2 dependents are subject to Social Security and federal income taxes. Please consult with a tax accountant to learn more.

[Photo] Students study quietly at individual tables tucked between tall bookshelves inside a historic library reading room. Large windows, decorative wall panels and warm wood furnishings frame the space.

J-2 Dependent Employment