US Exchange Program (J2) Family Visa Application Tips

The American exchange program family visa (J2) visa is a type of visa issued to family members of J1 visa holders who are participants in an exchange program approved by the US Department of State and allows these persons to live in the United States temporarily.

You can only apply for a J2 visa if you are the spouse or unmarried child under the age of 21 of a person who has received a US J1 visa .

J2 Visa Application Eligibility

J2 visa applications can only be made if the family members of the US exchange program in which the J1 visa holder is participating are eligible to apply for a visa. Work and travel, au pair, camp counselor and high school student exchange programs in the US do not allow family members to accompany the main participant.

If you meet the relevant program requirement, you must receive a separate DS-2019 form for each family member sent by the exchange sponsoring institution in the United States in order to apply for a J2 visa.

How to Apply for a USA J2 Visa?

To apply for a US J2 visa, you must first obtain the original Exchange Program Status Eligibility Certificate, also known as the DS-2019 form, from the exchange program sponsor in the US. If you have a DS-2019 form, you must complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online at ceac.state.gov and print the confirmation page.

After completing the DS-160 form, you must create a user account at ais.usvisa-info.com/en-tr/niv and make an online visa appointment at the US foreign mission by paying the $160 Group J visa application fee. On the appointment date, you must submit the application documents you have prepared for the J2 visa application, provide digital fingerprint registration and have an interview with a Consulate officer.

What are the Required Documents for the J2 Visa?

In addition to standard visa documents, what you need to submit for US J2 visa applications is listed below.

  • Original DS-2019 form
  • Photocopy of J1 visa holder’s DS-2019 form
  • Photocopy of the J1 visa holder’s visa
  • Copy of passport with clear and identifiable photograph
  • Marriage certificate if you are the spouse of a J1 visa holder
  • Birth certificate if you are a child of a J1 visa holder

Rights with a J2 Visa in the USA

With a J-2 visa, you can enroll in academic studies, get a driver’s license, open bank accounts, enter and exit the United States at any time, and work under certain conditions.

As an employed person, you also receive a Social Security Number (SSN) and are required to file taxes under U.S. law.

How to Get a J2 Visa Work Permit?

For J2 visa work authorization, you must submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS (United States Immigration and Citizenship Services).

It is recommended that you apply for a USCIS work permit three to four months after you arrive in the U.S. This is so that you can provide the U.S. government with evidence that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses for the first few months in the U.S. If you apply for a work permit immediately upon arrival in the U.S., you will raise questions about your financial situation.

Visa Validity Period for USA Exchange Program Family

As a U.S. exchange family, you may remain in the United States as long as the primary J-1 visa holder maintains valid J-1 status.