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DEPENDENT

Bringing J-1 Dependents to the U.S.
If you are a student or scholar in J-1 status and wish to bring your legally married spouse and/or unmarried minor children (under 21 years old) to the United States in J-2 status, you will need to obtain a new Form DS-2019 for each dependent and a Dependent Authorization Letter from your program sponsor* (See section 1 below to determine your sponsor).

Spouses and minor children are eligible for J-2 status. All other relatives who wish to come to the U.S. to visit should apply for B-2 (visitor for pleasure) visas. Dependents in J-2 status will need their own Form DS-2019.

Procedure

1. See line #2 of your DS-2019 to determine what institution is sponsoring you as a J-1. If UCI is sponsoring you, provide the information requested on the attached form and submit it to the International Center. You will need to show evidence that you have adequate finances to support your dependents before you may bring them to the United States. If UCI is NOT sponsoring you, you will need to contact your program sponsor for the new Form DS-2019.
2. When you receive your new DS-2019 and your dependent(s) DS-2019, you will need to sign both forms.
3. Mail the following items to your dependent(s):
• Form DS-2019 (all three pages)
• Dependent authorization letter
• Evidence of financial support (letter from your departments, bank statement, etc.)
4. Instruct your dependent to take the following documents to the nearest US consulate or embassy in order to apply for a J-2 visa:
   • A copy of your marriage license (translated into English)
   • Proof of maintaining close ties to your home country (suggested items may include: proof of ownership of property, home country tax returns for several preceding years, a job which is being held for you or your spouse upon return, etc.).

Please note that the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will not issue a visa unless it is satisfied that your dependents have a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning.

Health Insurance Compliance
The Department of State requires that the J-1 and ALL accompanying J-2 dependent family members have the following minimum health insurance coverage throughout their stay in the US:

• medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness (The UCI International Center recommends $100,000)
• repatriation or remains in the amount of $7,500
• medical evacuation expenses in the amount of $10,000
• deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness

Please note that the new government regulations require the University to notify the Department of State and to terminate your J-1 and dependents' J-2 status if it is determined that you or your family members willfully fail to comply with the health insurance requirements.

Permission to Work for J-2 Dependents
Spouses and children who hold J-2 visas are usually able to obtain permission to work in the US from USCIS. The J-2 dependent must be in the US for at least 60 days before an application for employment authorization may be filed with the USCIS. J-2 work authorization is granted primarily in order to enhance the cultural experience of the dependent(s) in the US, and in no way should be considered a means of support for the initial J-1. Once USCIS issues the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), the J-2 may work anywhere and at any level in the U.S. institutions and applications may be obtained in the International Center.