J2 Dependents

The maximum number of dependents allowed by CHF is three:
(1) spouse and 2 children or
(2) 3 children.

The teacher is not allowed four dependents.

All children must be school age.  The minimum age depends upon the youngest grade level offered by the school or by easily accessible public schools in the neighborhood.  Most public schools offer Kindergarten at age 5 in public schools.

CHF does not sponsor teachers who have two or more toddlers (2 children aged 6 or under).

For children younger than six, parents need to devote too much energy to successfully fulfill the objectives of the J-1 visa, an exchange visa – not a work visa.  The purpose of the exchange visa is to live and work in the US on a temporary basis, to integrate with American culture, and to improve English language skills.  And, at the end of the 3-5 year term, to return to their home countries and share what they have learned in the US.  Teachers need time and energy to make the numerous adjustments and accommodations necessary to overcome Culture Shock and to feel comfortable living in America, which is very difficult to attain when the needs of very young children must naturally take precedence.

If you wish to bring a large family, or very young children, we recommend that you apply for a work visa, not an exchange visa.  Either your school or an immigration lawyer can recommend what other visa type would work.  In that case, you will probably need to allow $7,000-$10,000 for child care, or for each additional child in a family.  Some private schools might be in a position to provide these services, but most public schools do not.

CHF does not guarantee sponsorship of J-2 visas for dependent relatives nor work permits for spouses.  Accepting a teacher in J-1 visa status does not automatically guarantee sponsorship of all immediate family members, depending upon circumstances.

In some areas of the United States, work permits for spouses have been reported to take from 9-12 months.  CHF has been informed that in Massachusetts in 2021, spouses were able to obtain work permit approval in only two months.  The time frame may differ drastically depending upon what region of the country you are working in.

You might try referring to this website on processing times for a work permit:  https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

Please check with the school in the state where you plan to teach to find out if they can estimate how long it will take in their particular area.  Or you can try checking the above website for the processing center in your area of the country.  If it takes from 9-12 months, the spouse could accompany you to the US, apply for the work permit, return to the home country where s/he can work, then come back after (and if) the work permit is approved in 9-12 months.
In recent years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sometimes issues EAD (Employment Authorization Documents) only for a 2-year period, and the waiting time to receive approval has lengthened from 6 to as long as 9-12 months since the Covid epidemic and the shutdown or reduction in staff in many USCIS offices   Form I-765 link:
https://www.usimmigration.us/employment/authorization

When requesting a work permit, the dependent spouse must explain why the income is not needed to support the family, only for the dependent’s enhancement or to improve the family’s overall standard of living.  The time frame to receive approval of a work permit can be from 3-9 months, depending upon the region of the country where the relevant USCIS Service Center is located and only after the spouse has already arrived in the US in J-2 status.

If a J-2 visa holder is in correct status, s/he may apply for a work permit (EAD) only after arriving in the U.S. in order to apply for a social security number.  Form I-765 may be downloaded, fee paid by credit card and emailed directly to the Internal Revenue service.  Complete interactive Form EI-765 and submit it online:  www.uscis.gov/i-765

Extension of J-2 status for family dependents

Extending your J-2 visa status is tied to the extension of the J-1 teacher principal’s program. When the J-1’s program is extended and they receive an updated DS-2019 from the visa sponsor, the J-2’s status is automatically extended to match the new duration of the J-1’s program.

However, if you are asking about extending your J-2 employment authorization (EAD), the process requires filing a renewal application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Here are the general steps for renewing your J-2 Employment Authorization Document (EAD):

1. Ensure the J-1’s Status is Extended

  • Your J-1 spouse/parent must first have their J-1 program extended by their program sponsor (Responsible Officer/Alternate Responsible Officer). They must receive an updated Form DS-2019 with the new, later program end date.

  • Your J-2 status, and therefore your work permission, cannot be extended beyond the end date on the J-1’s DS-2019.

2. Complete and Gather Required Documents

You must prepare a package to mail to USCIS. The exact requirements and fees can change, so always refer to the official USCIS website and the instructions for Form I-765 for the most current information.

Key documents typically include:

  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization:

    • This is the form for requesting or renewing your EAD.

    • You must indicate that you are applying for a renewal and use the correct eligibility category, which is generally (c)(5) for J-2 dependents.

    • Note: J-2 applicants typically file the paper application by mail, as online filing for this category may not be available.

  • Filing Fee: Pay the required fee to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USCIS) via check, money order, or by using Form G-1450 for credit card payments. Verify the exact, current fee.

  • Photographs: Two identical, U.S. passport-style color photographs taken within the last 30 days.

  • Copies of Immigration Documents:

    • J-2 Dependent: Current and previous DS-2019 forms, passport biographical page, J-2 visa stamp (if applicable), and I-94 Arrival/Departure Record printout.

    • J-1 Principal: Current and previous DS-2019 forms, passport biographical page, J-1 visa stamp, and I-94 Arrival/Departure Record printout.

  • Current EAD Card: A copy of the front and back of your current/expired J-2 EAD card (if renewing).

  • Proof of Relationship: A copy of your marriage certificate (if spouse) or birth certificate (if child).

  • J-2 Written Statement: A signed letter from you, the J-2 applicant, stating that the income you earn will not be used to support the J-1 principal exchange visitor. The letter should mention the source and amount of the J-1’s financial support.

3. File the Application with USCIS

  • Mail the completed application package to the correct USCIS Lockbox facility address. The correct address depends on the state you live in, so you must check the “Where to File” section of the Form I-765 instructions on the USCIS website.

  • It is highly recommended to use a trackable mailing service (like Certified Mail or courier service) and to include Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, to receive an email/text notification when USCIS receives your application.

4. Receive and Track Receipt Notice

  • USCIS will send a Form I-797C, Notice of Action (Receipt Notice), confirming they have received your application. Keep this for tracking your case status online.

  • Crucial Note: J-2 employment authorization often qualifies for an automatic extension of the EAD’s validity while the renewal application is pending. Check the I-797C and USCIS guidance to see if you are eligible for this extension, as it allows you to continue working past the expiration date on your old EAD card.

The processing time for an EAD renewal can take several months, so it is essential to file well in advance (generally, no more than 180 days before the current EAD expires).