Your one-stop hub for every stage of your Bridge Aspire journey—from pre-departure to life in the U.S. and beyond.
Use The Participant Compass to navigate your J-1 experience — from getting ready to travel, to settling into U.S. life, and returning home with global skills that last a lifetime.
A clear, step-by-step guide for bringing your eligible dependents to the U.S. during your J-1 program — from eligibility to employment options.
Inform your Bridge Aspire advisor early to prepare sponsorship documents on time.
Requirements vary by embassy — check your local U.S. Embassy before applying.
Employment is optional — many J-2s volunteer or join cultural programs.
A J-2 dependent can be:
Your legally married spouse, or
Your unmarried child under the age of 21
Not eligible: parents, siblings, fiancés, or partners who are not legally married.
If you’re interested in bringing a dependent, please let your Bridge Aspire Program Advisor know early in your application process. This ensures enough time to prepare the correct forms and sponsorship documents.
To request a DS-2019 form for your J-2 dependent:
Complete the Dependent section of your online Application To-Do List.
Contact your Program Administrator to confirm the required documents.
You’ll need to provide:
For a spouse: Passport and marriage certificate (with an English translation).
For a child: Passport and birth certificate (with an English translation).
Once these are submitted and the dependent sponsorship fee is processed, your sponsor will issue a signed Form DS-2019 for each dependent and provide a SEVIS ID number.
Your J-2 dependent(s) will use their DS-2019 form to apply for a J-2 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
When scheduling the interview, follow your sponsor’s instructions carefully.
Each J-2 applicant must bring:
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond their stay).
Visa interview appointment confirmation page.
DS-160 application fee payment receipt.
J-1’s I-901 SEVIS fee receipt (no extra SEVIS fee for J-2s).
Marriage or birth certificate, depending on the relationship.
Form DS-2019 for each dependent.
Photo uploaded during the DS-160 application (bring a copy just in case).
Proof of sickness and accident insurance coverage (sent with the DS-2019).
Any additional documents required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country.
✅ Tip: Always check the website of your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate, as document requirements can vary by country.
Once the visa is approved, passports with visa stamps are typically returned within 5–10 business days.
After your J-2 dependent(s) book their flights, update Bridge Aspire with:
A copy of their flight details
Their confirmed arrival date and time
Dependents cannot arrive in the U.S. before the J-1 visa holder, but they may arrive after you.
To stay compliant with U.S. visa regulations, please keep these key rules in mind:
Program Dates:
J-2 status automatically ends when the J-1’s program ends. Dependents cannot remain in the U.S. if the J-1 visa holder departs.
Two-Year Rule:
If your J-1 visa is subject to the two-year home residence requirement (212(e)), your J-2 dependents are also subject to it.
Children Turning 21:
J-2 children must be unmarried and under 21 years old. Notify Bridge Aspire if a dependent will turn 21 during your program.
Withdrawal or Cancellation:
If your J-2 dependent decides not to travel, or leaves the U.S. early, please notify Bridge Aspire or your J-1 Visa sponsor immediately so your SEVIS record can be updated.
J-2 dependents may apply to work in the U.S., but only after obtaining an official Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
To apply, the dependent must:
File Form I-765 with USCIS
Pay the required fee (USD $1,050)
Wait for approval before beginning employment
Once approved, the EAD card allows legal work for a limited period — typically the duration of the J-1’s program.
For more information, visit the official USCIS website on J-2 work authorization.
Planning ahead makes the J-2 process smooth and stress-free.
Submit all dependent documents early, double-check translations, and keep copies of everything.
Our team is here to guide you — from adding dependents to preparing for their arrival.
Your internship is just the beginning. Explore our travel guides for all 50 U.S. states and uncover the best places to live, learn, and experience American culture.
Find out where to work, how to budget, and what to explore — from New York to California and everywhere in between.
Access your key resources anytime. Whether you’re completing visa paperwork or preparing for your pre-departure orientation, these are your go-to links for staying organized and ready.
Submit your profile and career goals. We’ll review your background to match you with the best J-1 pathway.
Get connected with a vetted U.S. host company aligned with your academic field and training objectives.
Your J-1 Visa sponsor reviews and issues your Form DS-2019 — the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
We assist you with visa interview guidance, SEVIS Fee payment, and pre-departure orientation to help you settle smoothly in the U.S.
Questions about your program? Need help with housing or paperwork? Our Bridge Aspire advisors are always here to help — before you travel, while you’re abroad, and even after your return home.
Need immediate assistance? Email us at [email protected]
My internship through Bridge Aspire gave me so much more than professional experience — it gave me perspective. Training in Chicago taught me to adapt, lead, and see my future in a whole new light.
Front Office Operations, Chicago, IL, USA
Bridge Aspire made the process effortless. From the moment I applied, their guidance was clear and supportive. I trained in an amazing U.S. resort and returned home with skills — and confidence — I never thought possible.
Culinary Arts Internship, San Francisco, CA, USA
I always dreamed of training abroad, but didn’t know where to start. Bridge Aspire helped me prepare, interview, and adjust when I arrived in Florida. I grew both professionally and personally.
Hospitality Tourism Internship, Miami, FL, USA
