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J-1
Dependents (spouse and/or unmarried children under age 21) of J-1 holders enter the U.S. in J-2 status. Dependents who wish to join their student spouse/parent in the United States at a time other than when the student first arrives must be issued a new visa certificate. A Family Member Application (available for download here or for pick-up at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services), proof of full-time enrollment, and additional financial certification will be required at the time of application. It is very important that students have sufficient funds to be able to support their families while they are with them in Chapel Hill. Financial concerns can be a source of great stress for students, so we caution you to have adequate resources available before your spouse and/or children join you in the U.S. Family Member Applications will not be accepted during the first three weeks of each semester. J-2 dependents may be eligible for employment authorization. Those in J-2 status who wish to work must apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This process takes 3-4 months and employment may not begin until the EAD card is received. Instructions and applications are available at the Office of International Student and Scholar Services. For inviting family members that does not qualify for J-2 visa status, please refer to this handout created by OISSS. . |