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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
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  5. J-2 Dependent DS-2019 Request

J-2 Dependent DS-2019 Request

Learn how to submit requests for the J-2 dependents of international scholars and students. Please contact ISEO with any additional questions.

J-2 Families of International Scholars

Find information for the dependents of J-1 faculty and scholars who are teaching or conducting research at UC San Diego or non-UC San Diego sponsored OPT/STEM employed by UC San Diego.

Request a DS-2019 from ISEO

Typically, J-2 DS-2019’s are requested with the Initial and Extension Application for the primary scholar in iServices.  However, there are instances where a J-2 DS-2019 may need to be requested after the J-1 DS-2019 issuance.

Please log into your iServices profile and click "J-1 Services," on the left hand menu. From the J-1 Scholar Services screen, click on the "J-1 Scholar Add a Dependent" task.  

The "Add a Dependent" form will ask you to upload the following documents for your dependent(s):

  1. Passport Biographical page(s) of dependent(s)
    • Upload Passport Biographical page(s) for any spouse and/or children.
  2. Funding Documentation to cover the addition of a dependent
    • NOTE: If your previously submitted financial documentation will not cover the addition of a dependent, you will need to upload additional documentation to meet the minimum monthly support needed per dependent outlined above. 

Funding Documentation Requirements:

You must demonstrate minimum monthly funding as follows:

  • Scholar only: $2400/month
  • Accompanying J-2 spouse: $800/month
  • Accompanying J-2 children: $400/month per child

Example: A scholar is coming to UC San Diego for a two-year program with their spouse. The minimum amount they need is:

$2,400 for Scholar x 24 months= $57,600
$800 for Spouse x 24 months= $19,200    
Total= $76,800 total minimum proof of funding required for two years with a Spouse 

Note: Proof/documentation cannot be more than 6 months old. If funds are listed in foreign currency include a currency converter.

If UC San Diego is not providing you with funding that meets these amounts, you must upload documentation proving you have financial support for the minimum amounts mentioned above for the entire during of your J-1 program.

Funding documentation may include: 

  • Funding organization letter indicating amount of funds and disbursement period
  • Employer letter stating your salary and that you will continue to be paid for the date range of your program at UC San Diego
  • Bank statement showing personal funds of scholar or sponsor (if sponsor, include affidavit of support for scholar from sponsor that indicates amount of funding provided for the date range of your program).
  • Evidence must show currently existing liquid funds
    • Not acceptable: stocks, bonds, mutual funds

*Exception: Postdoctoral appointment letter is sufficient proof to meet these requirements for title codes 3252, 3253, and 3254. No additional funding is required.

Apply for Visa or Change Status

Your J-2 dependent will need to do ONE of the following two actions:

  1. The dependent takes the new Form DS-2019 and the evidence of financial support to a U.S. consulate or embassy to apply for a J-2 visa.  The U.S. embassy or consulate will not issue a visa unless it is satisfied that the dependents have a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning.
    OR
  2. Dependents currently inside the U.S. on a different immigration status must contact ISEO after the Form DS-2019 has been issued to review the change of status procedure with an advisor. Please note that a Form I-539 for change of status must be submitted to USCIS prior to the end date of the current immigration status. This process may take up to 4 months for approval.

Visit USCIS to download the I-539 application

J-2 Families of International Students

Find information for the dependents of J-1 international students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, or PhD programs at UC San Diego.

Request Form DS-2019 from ISEO

Students currently in J-1 visa status who wish to add their J-2 dependent will need to obtain a Form I-DS-2019 from ISEO for each dependent.

Submit the "Dependent I-20/DS-2019 Request" in iPortal.

  • Upload a PDF copy of your bank statement(s) or financial support letter(s).
    • The funds need to cover estimated expenses for your tuition and fees, combined living expenses, and other expenses for both yourself and your F-2/J-2 dependent.
    • You must show funding to cover expenses for the remainder of your study. Use our Funding Requirements page to determine the exact amount.
  • Upload a PDF copy of dependent’s biographical page from passport
  • Upload a PDF copy of marriage certificate (spouse dependent) or birth certificate (child dependent) with English translation.
  • A new DS-2019 will be issued within 5 business days.
  • A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.
  • Sign your dependent's new DS-2019 and give it to your dependent.

Apply for Visa or Change Status

Your J-2 dependent will need to do ONE of the following two actions:
  1. Apply for an J-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence, and then enter the U.S. with the J-2 visa stamp in their passport.
    OR
  2. If your dependent is already in the U.S. in a different visa status, and prefers not to travel outside the U.S. to do the option 1 described above, they will need to file an I-539 Application To Change Status (COS) with USCIS while remaining in the U.S. Your dependent is required to maintain their current visa status while their COS is pending with USCIS.