If you hold a J-1 nonimmigrant visa and your program sponsor is not WSU, please contact your program sponsor directly to inquire about bringing dependents.
If WSU is your sponsor, follow the steps below.
The process
1. Submit documents
Submit the following documents to WSU International Programs through myPassport.
- Copy of passport for each dependent
- Financial documentation (e.g., bank statement, letter from employer or sponsor, etc.)
Whether you decide to bring your family members with you at the time of your initial entry or later, you are required to show evidence of adequate financial support for each dependent. The additional amount of financial support you must show for each J-2 dependent varies by WSU location and is listed below in U.S. dollars.
| Location | J-2 Spouse | J-2 Child | Additional J-2 Child |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pullman | $1,200 | $1,300 | $600 |
| Tri-Cities and Prosser | $1,200 | $1,300 | $600 |
| Spokane | $1,200 | $1,300 | $600 |
| Wenatchee | $1,200 | $1,400 | $600 |
| Vancouver | $1,200 | $1,300 | $700 |
| Mt. Vernon | $1,200 | $1,400 | $700 |
| Puyallup | $1,200 | $1,400 | $700 |
| Everett | $1,200 | $1,400 | $800 |
2. WSU actions
WSU will add your dependent(s) to your SEVIS record. Then we will issue a new DS-2019 to you and each of your accompanying dependents.
3. Documents for dependents
Provide your dependents with the following documents for visa application.
- Your dependents’ J-2 Form DS-2019 (original)
- Your new DS-2019 (copy)
- Your passport biographical page (copy)
- Your J-1 visa stamp (copy)
- Your I-94 card (copy of front and back sides)
- Financial documentation (e.g., bank statement, proof of graduate assistantship, letter from employer or sponsor)
- Your letter of invitation
4. Dependent responsibilities
Your dependents should contact their local U.S. Embassy/Consular Office and follow the procedures for the J-2 visa application.
Check in with ISSS upon arrival
When your dependents arrive at your WSU location, have them check in with International Student and Scholar Services and provide a copy of each dependent’s immigration documents and proof of insurance. Check-in documents are submitted through myPassport.
Rights and restrictions while in the United States
J-2 visa holders should enter the United States with the J-1 visa holder and must leave the United States when the principal J-1 visa expires.
In most cases, a J-2 visa holder can seek employment. To work, a J-2 visa holder must obtain an Employment Authorization Document from the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Money earned by a J-2 visa holder cannot be used to support the principal J-1 visa holder.
While they are in the United States, your dependents will need to abide by certain rules regarding employment and academic study.
Taking classes
Your J-2 dependents are allowed to pursue part-time or full-time studies.
Employment
J-2 dependents may work part-time or full-time in the United States only with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. However, a J-2 dependent’s employment cannot be used to support the J-1 student.
Lawful J-2 dependents may apply for an EAD by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with UCSIS. An EAD can be issued for up to 1 year at a time or for the validity of DS-2019, whichever is shorter. It is possible to apply to extend an EAD.
Social Security
J-2 dependents with a valid EAD may apply for a Social Security number.
Volunteer work
J-2 dependents may volunteer if their volunteer activities do not displace a paid position.
International travel
As long as J-1 students maintain lawful status, their dependents are allowed to travel in and out of country by themselves with proper documentation. J-2 dependents do need a valid travel signature from an A/RO in International Student and Scholar Services.
Two-year home country physical presence requirement
A J-2 dependent is subject to the same foreign residence requirement as the J-1 visa holder.
If you are granted a waiver of the foreign residence requirement, it will also apply to your J-2 dependents.
Family visits
If you have family members who would like to visit the U.S. for a short visit they should contact their local U.S. Embassy or Consular Officer to apply for a B-2 visa.
Leaving the country
Your J-2 dependents should accompany you outside the U.S. if you will be abroad for more than 1 month.
Health insurance requirement
As a student visa holder, you and your dependents are required by law to be covered by medical insurance that meets specified benefit levels. You must have coverage for the duration of your program.
WSU will automatically enroll you in its international student health insurance program (iSHIP), but you will need to purchase separate coverage for anyone else who comes with you.
Minimum coverage requirements
Below are insurance requirements for international students and families as of Jan. 1, 2015. Each accompanying dependent must be covered by insurance in the same amounts.
- Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000
- Medical evacuation $50,000
- A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness
Policy requirements
To ensure reliability, the policy you choose should meet 1 of the following requirements:
- Underwritten by an insurance corporation having 1 of the following ratings:
-
- M. Best rating of “A-“ or above
- Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-I” or above
- Standard & Poor’s Claims-paying Ability rating of “A-“ or above
- Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above
- Other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify
- Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of your home country
- Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor
- Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Acceptable provisions
Waiting period for pre-existing conditions: If required, it should be reasonable relative to current industry standards.
Co-insurance: You may be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.
Unacceptable provisions
The policy shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which you participate.
Finding the policy that is right for you
Evaluate different insurance products to find 1 that best suits your circumstances. Consider factors such as:
- If you are married or single
- Whether you participate in sports activities that might raise your risk of injury
- If you need maternity coverage
The following companies offer insurance products that meet or exceed the Department of State J exchange program minimum requirements for medical insurance. This is a partial list of companies and products and is provided only as a starting point. It is not an endorsement of any company or product.
Take the medical insurance requirement seriously
Willfully failing to maintain required insurance coverage is a violation of the law. Your participation in the exchange visitor program could be terminated as a consequence.
Questions?
If you have questions about the insurance requirement, contact an advisor in International Student and Scholar Services.