# USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 6: Family Members of J-1 Exchange Visitor

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C6

## Section

- **Citation:** USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 6
- **Heading:** Family Members of J-1 Exchange Visitor
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** USCIS Policy Manual / Volume 2 - Nonimmigrants / Part D - Exchange Visitors (J) / USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 6

## Text

The J-1 exchange visitor’s accompanying dependent family members may be admitted into the United States in J-2 classifications [1] if each applicant presents a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status ( Form DS-2019 ), issued in the applicant’s name by a program approved by the U.S. Department of State for participation by J-1 exchange visitors.

J-2 spouses of J-1 Conrad 30 waiver recipients cannot change status in the United States from J-2 to H-1B temporary worker status until the J-1 Conrad 30 waiver recipients have completed the requisite 3-year term of employment in a designated medically underserved area. Once the J-1 Conrad 30 waiver recipients have fulfilled all of the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver, including the 3-year period of employment with the health care facility, the J-1 Conrad 30 waiver recipients (and dependent family member or members) become eligible to change to another nonimmigrant status or adjust status to a lawful permanent resident. [2]

If the waiver recipients fail to fulfill the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver, they and their dependent family member or members will once again become subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement under INA 212(e) . [3]

J-2 nonimmigrants may be eligible for employment authorization; [4] however, they may not use their income to support the J-1 nonimmigrant. To apply for employment authorization as a J-2 nonimmigrant, the dependent family member must file an Application for Employment Authorization ( Form I-765 ). USCIS may authorize the employment for the length of the J-1 exchange visitor’s stay or 4 years, whichever is shorter. [5]

Footnotes

[1] See INA 101(a)(15)(J) .

[2] See INA 214(l)(2)(B) .

[3] See 8 CFR 212.7(c)(9) and 8 CFR 248.2(a)(3) .

[4] See 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(5) .

[5] See 8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(v) .

## Nearby sections

- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 1 Purpose and Background](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C1.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 2 J Exchange Visitor Eligibility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C2.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 3 Terms and Conditions of J Exchange Visitor Status](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C3.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 4 Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C4.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 5 Change of Status, Extensions of Stay, Program Transfers, and Reinstatement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C5.md)
- [USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. D, Ch. 6 Family Members of J-1 Exchange Visitor](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C6.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/USCIS_PM_V2_PD_C6. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.