Bringing family

Participate Learning prides itself on being a family-friendly organization. However, bringing family with you is a very big decision and has many implications. We expect you to think very carefully before deciding to bring your family to join you in the U.S.; Ask yourself questions such as, “What will it mean to bring my family here?”, “Can I afford to support my family on my salary?”, “Will my family be happy here?”, and “Will I be able to continue fulfilling my teaching duties with my family here?”

If, after considering these points, you decide that bringing your family to the U.S. is indeed the best decision, Participate Learning will be happy to consider sponsoring your dependents on a J-2 visa. We strive to make this a positive experience for you and your family, so please be sure to let us know if we can do anything to better support you.

J-1 responsibilities for J-2 dependents

 

Financial Support

Teachers must be able to financially support any J-2 dependent(s) that join them in the U.S. You should not rely on any salary that a J-2 spouse may make when considering your budget. One or two persons can live comfortably on one teacher’s salary, assuming that there are no outstanding financial obligations at home. However, if you will be bringing two or more family members, you will need access to additional financial resources such as significant savings. For more information, refer to the Pre-Departure orientation sections on Family and Budgeting in your Preparing for Arrival course.

 

Health Benefits

Both Participate Learning teachers and their J-2 dependent(s) must be covered by health benefits through Participate Learning at all times while their J-1 or J-2 status remains active, even if they are not in the U.S. At some point, a J-2 dependent may be offered coverage through their employer. They can choose to enroll in that health plan. However, they cannot cancel their coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) with Participate Learning and thus would maintain dual coverage.

If your J-2 dependent(s) arrives before September 30 of your first year of participation, they will be enrolled in the Participate Learning health care plan on the date the Exchange Visitor arrives in the U.S. for orientation. If they come after this date, they will be enrolled in the Participate Learning health plan effective on the date that the DS-2019 form is released. Participate Learning Exchange Visitor Teachers begin paying the premium for the entire month on the date that the DS-2019 form is released. J-2 dependents cannot be removed from the policy unless their sponsorship is ended.

Participate Learning teachers with family members in the U.S. who are not J-2 dependents are not required to enroll those family members in the Participate Learning health benefits policy. This typically occurs when a child is a U.S. citizen or when family members enter the U.S. under a visa other than a J-2 visa such as the ESTA (electronic system for travel authorization) program, visitor’s visa, tourist visa or work/study visa.

If you would like to enroll such family members in your health benefits policy, you may do so as long as the family member is your legal spouse or child. Children can be covered up to the age of 26. Adding and removing family members that are not J-2 dependents can only occur within 30 days of a life event (marriage, divorce, birth of a child) or during the Open Enrollment period typically held in May.

If the necessary paperwork is not turned in within the 30 days of a life event, you must wait until Open Enrollment to add or drop your dependents who are not on J-2 visas. Contact Teacher Resources in advance for instructions if you are planning to add a family member to your health benefits following a birth or marriage. Remember, you only have 30 days from the life event to add your spouse or newborn.

 

School & Childcare for J-2 Dependents

A few public schools now offer preschool programs for children that are four years old. However, in most cases, if your child is under the age of five, you will need to find private child care for him or her. Child care is often very expensive in the U.S. Exchange Visitor teachers should not enroll any J-2 dependent child(ren) in the Head Start program or similar programs, because they are federally funded. Do your research before bringing young children with you and consider the potential costs. You may find the information on the Child Care Aware website at http://childcareaware.org/ helpful in considering child care options.

In the U.S., most children between the ages of five and 18 attend K-12 public schools. During your time teaching with Participate Learning, any J-2 dependent children will be eligible to attend public schools. You should contact your district for information on enrollment procedures. You should also bring health, vaccination and education records for your children.

A Social Security number is not necessary for school enrollment. It is possible for your child to attend university in the U.S. However, J-2 dependents who wish to enroll in postsecondary education programs while in the U.S. should keep in mind that their J-2 status is tied to the status of the Exchange Visitor teacher. Once the teacher’s status has ended, the status of all J-2 dependents will automatically end. The status of a J-2 child that gets married or turns 21 will automatically end. J-2 visa holders enrolled in a full-time degree program may wish to talk with their college or university about applying for a student visa to ensure they will be able to complete their degree program. However, J-1 visa holders that are subject to the two-year home residency requirement should keep in mind that their J-2 dependents are also subject to this requirement, which could affect the dependent’s eligibility for a student visa.

 

Employment of J-2 Dependents

Your J-2 dependent may be able to work in the U.S., but they must first obtain the appropriate permission. A J-2 visa does not automatically entitle the visa holder to work in the U.S. A J-2 visa holder must apply for work authorization with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and may not work unless he or she has received appropriate USCIS authorization. Obtaining work authorization may take 90 days or more. Although eligible spouses may apply for work authorization, their income should not be relied upon for anything more than incidental expenses (such as travel or cultural activities) according to J-2 visa regulations.

Work authorization may be denied if additional income is required to support the Exchange Visitor Teacher or the family’s living expenses. Work opportunities may be limited depending on your spouse’s English fluency, professional skills and the availability of employment in your community. Do the following when applying for work authorization:

• Make sure that your family members bring resumés, proof of degree(s) and work experience, and a criminal background check to facilitate the process of finding employment.
• Have your family members apply for work authorization only after entering the U.S. in J-2 status. Download the application from the USCIS website. Your dependent may also apply for their Social Security card through this site. Review the USCIS website carefully before submitting your application to learn about the current process for obtaining work authorization. Once USCIS receives the application, they will send notification that the application has been received by mail. Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It may take 90 days or longer for the EAD to be mailed to you by USCIS. Review the expiration date once you receive your EAD. If your EAD is not valid for the period of time you would like to work in the U.S., you must submit another complete work authorization application and fee at least 6 months prior to the EAD expiration. Generally, the EAD must be renewed every year. If you are in the process of obtaining a two-year program extension, your spouse will need to wait until your extension is approved and you receive their new DS-2019 form before they can renew their work authorization.
• Have your family member apply for a Social Security number. Most employers will require a copy of your Social Security card as the Social Security number is needed for tax purposes. For details on obtaining a Social Security number, visit the Social Security Administration’s website at http://www.ssa.gov/.

 

Social Security Numbers for J-2 Dependents

The Social Security Administration assigns Social Security numbers and cards only to people who are authorized and intend to work in the U.S. Therefore, a J-2 dependent will need to receive Employment Authorization before applying for a Social Security number. Some schools may tell you that your child needs a Social Security number in order for them to be a student at that school. Social Security numbers are not required for school enrollment.

What if your J-2 dependent requires a U.S. identification number, and they are not working or are a minor (under 18 years of age)? If your J-2 dependent is not working or is a minor and they require a U.S. identification number for any reason, you may apply for an ITIN from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Find details on how to do so on the IRS website at www.irs.gov. DO NOT SEND original documents such as passports and DS-2019 forms to the IRS. You may have copies certified as an alternative. Contact Teacher Resources to explore this option.

 

Travel Validation for J-2 Dependents

If a family member’s travel validation needs to be updated, follow the same procedure as if it were your own. Your dependent’s forms must be validated before travel.

For more information, review the Visa Guide.