Do you plan to bring dependents along with you on your AIPT program? If so, please click on one of the links below for more information:
Who is considered an eligible dependent?
Dependents must be spouses or children of the J-1 visa holder. Common law marriages are not recognized and are not eligible for J-2 dependent visas.
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What happens if a child is born to a participant during the J-1 program?
The AIPT health insurance policy does not cover pregnancy. If a participant decides to remain in the United States while pregnant, they will have to pay for all the medical care themselves, which can be very expensive.
All children born to participants in an AIPT J-1 program must be covered by a valid health insurance policy within 30 days of the birth of the child. Dependent children can be enrolled into the health insurance progam offered by AIPT at an additional cost, or they must be enrolled into a health insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements established by the U.S. Department of State.
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Can dependents travel outside the United States during the training program?
Yes. J-2 dependents may travel in and out of the United States during the training program. They too will need to get a signature on their DS-2019 from AIPT before they travel. Please refer to the above question for details. It is strongly recommended that each dependent have his or her own passport.
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Can the spouse of a participant work?
Yes. Upon arriving in the United States, a dependent spouse who has a valid J-2 visa is able to apply for work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Dependents on a J-2 visa are eligible to apply for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under the provisions of Category 274a.12(c).
When making application, the most important thing to show is that the J-2 dependent spouse does not need to work to financially support the J-1 visa participant.
Please note that the time for USCIS to process an application for work authorization varies considerably depending on the region of the United States in which the application is processed. J-2 dependent spouses should expect at least a 60-day wait for employment authorization. Such an application is usually made on I-765 form along with the appropriate application fee and a statement of family expenses. The most up-to-date information on filing fees and where to file the Form I-765 can be found on the USCIS Web site at http://uscis.gov. The statement of family expenses may include customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel. The I-94 card of the participant and the I-94 card of the family member applying for work permission should be submitted with the I-765 form. Action taken by USCIS on the application will be noted on the back of the dependent's I-94 card, which will be returned to the applicant. If permission for the employment is granted, it is valid for any kind of employment without limitation as to full-time or part-time. Work permission for a J-2 dependent expires at the same time as the authorized stay noted on the J-1 visa holder's Certificate of Eligibility.
Whereas Social Security and federal unemployment taxes are not deducted from the earnings of a J-1 participant, they are deducted from the earnings of J-2 dependents, because their services are not performed "to carry out a purpose for which the individual was admitted." Therefore, J-2 dependents are subject to Social Security and federal unemployment taxes, federal income taxes, and, where applicable, state and local income taxes.
Please note that AIPT is not involved in the J-2 dependent spouse's application for work authorization.
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