What is a J-2 visa for USA?
The J-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by a consular official at a U.S. embassy or consulate for spouses and dependents (unmarried children under the age of 21) of J-1 exchange visitors who accompany or later join the J-1 holder in the United States.
What is a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa status?
About J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Status. The general purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to promote international educational and cultural exchange to develop mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and other countries.
What is a J-1 alien for tax purposes?
In general, an alien in J-1 status (hereafter referred to as a “J-1 alien”) will be treated as a U.S. resident for federal income tax purposes if he or she meets the Substantial Presence Test. The test is applied on a calendar year-by-calendar year basis (January 1 – December 31).
Where can I find information about my J-1 immigration status?
For more information about the J-1 immigration status, visit the Department of State website. Although the tax residency rules are based on the immigration laws concerning immigrant and nonimmigrant aliens, the tax rules define residency for tax purposes in a way that is very different from U.S. immigration law.
Can a J-1 visa holder bring a dependent to the US?
If the J-1 sponsor allows them to bring dependents, they will issue them a separate DS-2019 form. With that form the J-2 application procedure is as follows: Attend the interview where you will have J-2 visa interview questions related to your intentions in the U.S, your relationship with the J-1 visa holder, and financial situation.
What happens to my J-2 visa if my spouse leaves the country?
So if your spouse has that requirement, your J-2 visa is also dependent on that requirement. This means that after your visa expires, you will have to return to your home country and remain there for 2 years before you can apply for a similar visa, except for a visitor or tourist visa.
How long does it take to get work authorization with J-2 visa?
J-2 visitors may request work authorization from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by submitting form I-765. Adjudication typically takes between 3 and 5 months.
Certain individuals receive J-1 visas when studying secondary school (high school) in the United States, for example. These individuals cannot bring dependents to the U.S. The J-1 visa categories that do not allow dependents to enter the United States on a J-2 visa include:
Can I Change my J-2 visa status to H-1B?
A J-2 visa is not considered a path to permanent residency. However, in some cases, a J-2 visa applicant may be able to remain in the United States by changing their status. You can find a job that is willing to sponsor you on an H-1B visa, for example, and apply for that job.
Can a J-2 visa be used for an au pair?
The exchange categories of au pair, camp counselor, secondary school student and summer work travel do not permit J-2 Visas. In addition, although some categories allow for spouses and/or dependents to accompany a J-1 Visa holder, there are specific programs that do not.