Can J-2 Stay in US without J-1?

J-2 visa holders must reside with the J-1 principal as true “dependents” during their stay in the USA. If the J-1 principal completes a program and leaves the USA permanently, the J-2 dependents must also depart the USA. The J-2 holder's immigration status is directly tied to the J-1 principal's immigration status.

Is the J-2 holder required to arrive at the same time as the J-1 holder?

Is the J-2 holder required to arrive at the same time as the J-1 holder? Most family members choose to arrive together, but J-2 holders may apply for a visa and/or travel to the U.S. separately as long as they have a valid DS-2019 and J-2 Visa.

Can a J-2 visa holder apply for j1 visa?

J-2 dependents may apply to the USCIS for work permission as long as the employment is not to provide financial support for the J-1. Processing by USCIS takes an average of 3-5 months. It is not necessary for a J-2 dependent to show proof of special skills or a job offer to receive a work permit.

Can I stay in U.S. while waiting for J-1 waiver?

If your J-1 status expires before an immigrant visa number becomes available, you will need to get a J-1 extension or apply to change your status to another nonimmigrant visa in order to continue staying in the U.S. while the green card application is pending.

What is the 2 year rule for J-2 visa?

It requires you to return home for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). If you cannot return home for two years, you must apply for a waiver.

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Can a J-2 visa change status?

Generally J-1 and J-2 Exchange Visitors who are subject to the two-year home-country residence requirement are prohibited from changing status within the U.S., except to A or G status. It may be necessary to return home and apply for the new visa type there.

How can a J-2 visa holder work in USA?

J-2 visa-holders are authorized to work in the U.S. as long as they obtain an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Currently, EAD cards are taking up to 90 to 120 days to process.

Can I stay in the US after my J-1 visa expires?

J-1 scholars are given a 30-day grace period at the end of the program. This means that you have until 30 days after your program end date to depart the U.S.

Can I get another J-1 visa if I m still under the two-year rule requirement from the first one?

Understanding when U.S. immigration law allows J-1 visa holders to continue on and apply for another status in the U.S. regardless of the two-year home residency requirement.

How can I speed up my J-1 waiver?

To request expedited processing, please send an email to [email protected] outlining your circumstances and including any supporting documentation. Requests for expedited processing may be made by an applicant, his or her attorney, or a Member of Congress (or congressional staff acting on the Member's behalf).

Can J-2 change status to J-1?

Can I change my J2 Visa status to another Visa Status? A J-2 may be able to Change Status to another visa. However, the defining factor is whether the J-1 visas has a two-year home residency requirement, which this condition normally applies to J-2 dependents, and should always be considered.

What are the benefits of J-2 visa?

Advantages of a J-2 visa include the ability to apply for work authorization and study, while disadvantages include the requirements to maintain health insurance and show proof of funding for all J-2 dependents during the visit.

What is the difference between J-1 and J-2 visa?

J-1 visitors must prove that they have monthly financial support of at least $1,310. The first J-2 dependent must have at least $666 per month in support, and each additional dependent must have at least $562 per month. The J-2 dependent must have financial support for the length of the J-1's program.

What does two year rule does not apply mean on J-1 visa?

The two-year rule does not force individuals to return home. Instead, it limits options for U.S. immigration benefits for those who do not. It does not prohibit applications for other non-immigrant visas, provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

Can J-2 visa holders work?

J-2 visa holders are not eligible to be employed until they have received employment authorization from USCIS in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Authorized dates of employment for J-2 visa holders are noted on the EAD and usually match the dates on the Form DS-2019.

How long is a J-2 visa good for?

J-2 employment may be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service for the duration of the J-1 principal's authorized stay as indicated on Form I-94 and Form DS-2019 or a period of four years, whichever is shorter.

How long does it take for J-1 waiver to be approved?

U.S. Department of State reviews the J-1 waiver application (4-6 weeks). U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews J-1 waiver application and issues final approval (at least 2-6 weeks). IMG must begin work within 90 days of receiving the approval from USCIS.

How many times can you get a J-1?

Can I apply for a J-1 visa twice? Yes. The J-1 visa for interns and trainees can be applied for multiple times.

Why does J-1 waiver take so long?

The amount of time your waiver application will take depends on the caseload of the USCIS service center that has received your petition and the type of statutory basis you are applying under. For example, an IGA waiver or a Persecution waiver may take longer than a No Objection waiver.

Can a j2 visa holder apply for green card?

In addition, J-2 visa holders are also eligible to apply for a Green Card. If the J-1 person gets a Green Card, you as their dependent get it too. However, you can also apply yourself based on family or employment reasons.

What happens if J-1 visa expires?

If your J1 visa has expired, you will be required to return to your home country for at least two years before being allowed to apply for any additional visas. This is not always possible and can sometimes simply be impractical. If this is the case, you can apply for a J1 visa waiver which will waive this requirement.

Can I convert J-1 visa to H1B?

J1 visa holders can change their visa status to H1B or J1 to F1, depending on their individual situation. You have been in the U.S. now for a while and your J1 visa has served you well. But, you are pursuing new avenues and are looking to get another type of visa.

Does a J-2 visa require sponsorship?

Any J-2 visa with the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can work for any employer in the US without sponsorship.

What is the rejection rate for J-2 visa?

J-1 Visa Rejection Rate

The J-1 rejection rate was 8% in 2021 and is, on average, around 10% over the last decade. For spouses and children of J-1 applicants, the rejection rate for the J-2 visa was 6% last year.

How much is J-2 work permit?

Application fee of $410. This should be a check (from a U.S. bank) or a U.S. money order payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”.