Dependents of International Faculty & Scholars
Additional Information
J-2 Dependents +
J-1 exchange visitors can bring their spouse and unmarried children (under the age of 21) with them to the United States as dependents on J-2 visas. J-2 status is dependent on the maintenance of the J-1 exchange visitor’s status.
Funding Requirements
J-1 exchange visitors must show proof of sufficient funds to support their living expenses as well as those of their dependents during their stay in the U.S. Proof of funding for J-2 dependents can come entirely from the J-1 exchange visitor’s personal funds. Please find all funding requirements here.
How to Request Documents for J-2 Dependents
If the dependents will accompany the J-1 exchange visitor at the start of the program, the J-1 exchange visitor can add their dependents’ information in the initial J-1 application. The Forms DS-2019 for J-2 dependents will be issued together with the DS-2019 for the J-1 exchange visitor.
If a J-1 exchange visitor wishes to bring their J-2 dependent(s) to the U.S. after starting their program, they must first request a Form DS-2019 for their dependent(s). To begin this process, the exchange visitor must contact Rutgers Global – ISSS International Faculty and Scholar Services and prepare to submit the following via the RGlobal portal:
-
Copy of J-1’s passport and J-2 dependents’ passports
-
Bank statement, showing proof of adequate personal funding for dependents
-
Proof of health insurance for dependents
-
Payment of International Record Maintenance Fee ($50 for spouse and $25 per child)
Once these documents have been submitted and approved, J-1 exchange visitors will receive the Form DS-2019 for their dependents’ visa applications. Then, the J-2 dependents must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and apply for a J-2 visa stamp at a consular post outside of the U.S.
*Please note that Canadian citizens do not need to apply for a J-2 visa stamp at a U.S. consular post. They will gain J-2 status through entry to the U.S. by presenting their passport, Form DS-2019 and I-901 payment receipt at the U.S. port of entry.
Other Information
-
Check-in: The J-1 exchange visitor must include the dependents’ information during check-in if arriving together. If J-2 dependents arrive at a later time, the J-1 exchange visitor must contact Rutgers Global – ISSS International Faculty and Scholar Services immediately after their arrival to check-in their family members.
-
Health Insurance: All J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance that meets Rutgers requirements while on Rutgers’ visa sponsorship.
-
Travel: All J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependents must receive a travel signature on their Form DS-2019 before traveling outside of the U.S. To receive the travel signature for J-2 dependents, the J-1 exchange visitor must first contact Rutgers Global – ISSS International Faculty and Scholar Services. If the J-1 exchange visitor leaves the country, J-2 dependents cannot remain in the U.S. unless the J-1 exchange visitor’s absence is brief and temporary.
-
Study/Education: J-2 dependents (spouse and / or unmarried children under the age of 21) may study full-time or part-time at Rutgers or other institutions.
-
Employment: J-2 dependents may apply for employment authorization from USCIS. However, funds from J-2 employment may not be used as a primary means of supporting the exchange visitor and their family.
-
Taxes: J-2 dependents must file IRS Form 8843 each year at any time between January 1 and June 15. If a J-2 dependent has earned income, they are also required to file U.S. Federal and State taxes in addition to filing IRS Form 8843.
-
Networking and Social Activities: Networking opportunities for J-2 spouses can be found here. For further information on social activities, please check the last page of the Pre-Arrival Resources brochure. (link Pre-Arrival Resources)
-
Departure: J-1 exchange visitors must notify Rutgers Global – ISSS International Faculty and Scholar Services if their J-2 dependents need to leave the United States or end their visa status. IFSS will then provide further instructions.
H-4 Dependents +
H-1B employees can bring their spouse and unmarried children (under the age of 21) with them to the United States as dependents on H-4 visas. H-4 status is dependent on the maintenance of the H-1B employee’s status. It is the responsibility of the H-1B employee to ensure that their dependents maintain valid immigration status in the U.S. H-4 dependents are not sponsored by Rutgers.
How to Obtain/Extend H-4 Status
If dependents are currently abroad, they can use the H-1B employee’s I-797 approval information to apply for an H-4 visa at a U.S. consular post outside of the U.S. Upon arrival on the H-4 visa, they will be granted H-4 status. All H-4 dependents should check their Form I-94 arrival record to verify that they have been properly admitted in H-4 status and their duration of authorized stay.
If dependents are currently residing in the U.S. in a different valid nonimmigrant immigration status (i.e., J-2, F-2, etc.), they may be eligible to apply for a change of status within the U.S. by filing Form I-539 with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. It is the responsibility of the foreign national to prepare and submit the form in a timely manner. The Form I-539 application can be concurrently filed with an H-1B petition. As a courtesy, Rutgers Global – ISSS International Faculty and Scholar Services will enclose the Form I-539 application with an H-1B petition. However, Rutgers Global – ISSS International Faculty and Scholar Services is not authorized to review or provide legal advice relating to the Form I-539 or supporting documents.
If the H-1B employee extends their H-1B status, the dependents must also extend their status by submitting a Form I-539 application. This should be filed concurrently with the H-1B extension.
Study/Education
H-4 dependents are eligible to study in the U.S. (full-time or part-time). Children automatically lose H-4 status at the age of 21. H-4 children approaching the age of 21 should speak with an immigration lawyer about options for remaining in the U.S.
Employment
H-4 dependents are generally not authorized to work in the U.S. In some cases, H-4 spouses may be eligible to apply for work authorization. More information is available here. If an H-4 spouse has questions about their eligibility, they should consult with an immigration lawyer.