Dependent Visa Information

International Services Office

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may apply for a dependent visa stamp to accompany you to the U.S. Dependents in the U.S. may attend school but may not work. There is an exception for people holding the J-2 dependent status. J-2 spouses and J-2 dependent children ages 14 to 21 may apply for work permission (teenagers must check local labor laws). However, it may take four to six months to receive a work permit. Any J-2 dependent who intends to work in a professional capacity in the U.S. should first evaluate whether there is an independent visa for them that would be more appropriate. For example, spouses who intend to pursue their own postdoctoral position should request their own J-1 status.

Requesting Dependent Visa Documents for F-1 and J-1 Visa Holders

A visa document may be issued for the spouse or children (under 21 years of age) of a student in F-1 non-immigrant status, or a student or scholar in J-1 non-immigrant status. An F-2 dependent of an F-1 student would receive their own I-20 form and a J-2 dependent of a J-1 student or scholar would receive their own DS-2019.  These forms are required to apply for a visa.  There is no requirement to pay an additional SEVIS fee.

When an F-1 student or J-1 student or scholar first requests immigration documents, they will have the opportunity to request documents for their dependents.  However, if an F-1 or J-1 visa holder comes to the US without their dependents, they may later request documents by following the instructions below.  Individuals making a request should use the information found in their dependent's passport to ensure accuracy.  In addition to uploading a copy of the dependent’s passport, they are also required to upload a copy of a marriage license (spouses).

  1. Go to viva.scripps.edu.
  2. Click on the “login” link for international students and scholars.
  3. Enter your Scripps Research email ID and password information to login.
  4. Click on “F-1 Student Services” or “J-1 Scholar Services” in the box on the left.
  5. Click on “F-2 Dependent Request” or “J-2 Dependent Request.”
  6. Complete the form and click “submit.”
  7. Complete a separate form for each dependent.

After submitting the e-form, your advisor will review your request and prepare an I-20 or DS-2019 for your dependents. If you have any questions, please email us at tsriglobal@scripps.edu.

Below are the dependent visa types that should be requested by spouses and children under the age of 21:

  • F-1 students: F-2 dependents*
  • H-1B temporary workers: H-4 dependents
  • J-1 students or scholars: J-2 dependents*
  • TN Canadian and Mexican workers: TD dependents
  • Note: There is no dependent status for people using a visa waiver to enter the U.S., or a B-1 business status.

*Scripps Research would issue the required visa document for F-2 and J-2 dependents, when requested. Since dependents are financially supported by the international student or scholar, there are additional requirements to show proof of funds prior to obtaining immigration documents. 

While dependents may either apply at the same time as the visitor or at a later date, each person will need their own visa appointment. At the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, they will be asked to show marriage and/or birth certificates to prove their relationship to you, and evidence of financial ability to support their stay in the U.S. If your dependents will join you after your arrival in the U.S., please request the necessary visa document from the ISO after you arrive.

Dependents in J-2 visa status may apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to accept employment if such employment is needed to support the dependent(s) cultural and recreational activities only, and not for the support of the J-1 Exchange Visitor. The application for employment authorization may take several months to be processed by USCIS. If approved, the J-2 will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and can begin employment only after the EAD is received.

The J-2 employment authorization is valid for any kind of employment, full-time or part-time, without salary limitations. The EAD expires when the J-1's authorized stay expires or on the EAD expiration date, whichever comes first. The EAD can only be issued for the period covered by the J-1’s DS-2019 and not beyond. J-2s may not work beyond the expiration date of the EAD card even if an application for an extension EAD has been filed with USCIS. Therefore, to avoid any interruption in work authorization, be sure to submit your application for an EAD extension 90 days prior to the EAD expiration date.

To apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), mail the following to USCIS:

  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. For the U.S. Mailing Address, use an address that will not change for three to four months. For Eligibility Category, write: (c)(5). The J-2 applicant signs the form in blue ink.
  • A check or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Please confirm the fee on the USCIS website.
  • Letter stating that employment is not necessary to support the J-1. See example here.
  • Two photos. These must be passport-style photos with a solid white background, in a full-face position and taken within the last 30 days. Lightly print your name on the back of each photo in pencil. Place the photos in a clear plastic bag and staple to the I-765 form.
  • Photocopies of the J-2's and J-1's current and prior DS-2019 forms.
  • Photocopies of the J-2's and J-1's current I-94 record.
  • Photocopies of the J-2's and J-1's current visa stamps.
  • Photocopies of the J-2's and J-1's passport identification pages.
  • Photocopies of the J-2’s prior EAD cards, if any.
  • Documentation of the relationship between the J-2 and the J-1, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate (with an English translation).
  • Evidence of the J-1’s funding, which may include Scripps Research offer letter, sponsor’s funding letter, employment verification letter, and/or copies of paystubs.
  • Form G-1145, to receive an email or text receipt.

[Date]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

[Put correct address here, see tab]

 

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a J-2 Exchange Visitor, and I am requesting permission to accept employment in the U.S. The J-1 Exchange Visitor _______________ (name) receives sufficient funds to provide for our expenses. I wish to be employed to provide funds to support my family’s customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel as per the regulations found at 8 CFR 214.2 (j)(v). My earnings in no way will be used to support the J-1 Exchange Visitor. Evidence of the J-1’s ability to support us is attached. Please grant me permission to be employed in the U.S and issue me an EAD.

Sincerely,

[Signature of J-2]

 

[Printed Name of J-2]

[Street Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

The application should be sent by certified or tracked mail to the address indicated below. Before you send them, please be sure to copy all documents and forms, including your check, for your records. Save any receipts or notices you receive from USCIS. Once the J-2 receives a receipt for the application, it can be tracked online.

California
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036

California
For Express Mail or Courier
USCIS
Attn: NFB AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Florida
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS)
USCIS
P.O. Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266

Florida
For Express Mail or Courier
USCIS
Attn: NFB AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067