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- Expenses for Dependents
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You are responsible for all associated costs of accompanying dependents. This includes airfare and other travel expenses, living expenses, school costs, medical insurance and any uncovered medical bills. In some countries, the Fulbright organization may provide airfare for one dependent if the grant is eight months or more and the dependent stays in the United States for at least 80 percent of the grant period. Likewise, some grants include a modest dependent allowance to help offset the cost of medical insurance for family members. These funds will not be sufficient to support your family without additional personal funds. Do not bring family members to the United States unless you are certain that you will have enough money to support them. To apply for J-2 dependent visas, you must show that you will be able to support them financially and provide them with adequate medical insurance coverage.
- Medical Insurance for Dependents
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The U.S. Department of State provides the Fulbrighter only with accident and sickness coverage during your grant period. However, it is your responsibility to purchase medical insurance for your J-2 dependents for the duration of their stay in the United States.
Medical care in the United States can be extremely costly, and it is essential that your accompanying dependents are adequately insured. If your dependents do not have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the United States, they are in violation of J Exchange Visitor visa regulations as well as the terms and conditions of the Fulbright award. This may result in termination of your grant.
Medical insurance for your dependents must meet the following guidelines as specified in the J Exchange Visitor Program regulations. At minimum, the following benefits must be provided:
- Medical coverage of at least $100,000 per person per accident or illness,
- Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000,
- Medical evacuation benefits of at least $50,000, and,
- A deductible that does not exceed $500.
Insurance Coverage Through Your Host Institution
Your dependents may be eligible for insurance coverage through your host institution’s insurance plan. At many institutions, your dependents’ eligibility may rely on your own enrollment in the institution insurance plan. Contact the office of international programs at your host institution for more information about this option.
Other Insurance Plans
On the Health Care page of this guide, we share some Sample Insurance Companies in the United States with health coverage plans that may meet the J Exchange Visitor Program requirements. Please note that the list is for informational purposes only; it does not represent any endorsement by the Fulbright Program. It is a good idea to compare thoroughly the benefits and prices of at least two plans.
Dependent Insurance and Pregnancy
Most insurance policies designed for J-2 visa holders do not cover pregnancy-related care. If an accompanying dependent could become pregnant during your grant, you should carefully review the benefits of the insurance policy you are selecting to make sure that it covers pregnancy. In order for your pregnant J2 dependent to remain with you during your Fulbright, you must provide proof of insurance that covers your dependent’s prenatal care and delivery. Without such coverage, the Fulbright Program may require your pregnant dependent to depart the United States.
Some policies (see Sources of Dependent, Supplemental and Short-Term Insurance) may cover pregnancy if conception occurs during the coverage period. If your accompanying dependent is already pregnant when your grant begins, be aware that it will be very difficult for you to find an insurance policy that will cover prenatal and maternity care. If you are not able to find such a policy, you should reconsider whether your pregnant dependent will accompany you on your grant program. The Fulbright Program cannot assist you with any bills related to a dependent’s pregnancy or birth of a child.
Options for Coverage
You may purchase insurance for dependents from acompany of your choice, provided that the coverage meets the J visa regulations outlined above. This Health Care page of this guide provides some Sample Insurance Companies that may work for your family's needs. You should research and compare multiple options because the costs and benefits may vary considerably.
Insurance Plan in Your Own Country
You may purchase insurance for your dependents in your own country before you leave. If you do, it must be from a reputable company, either highly rated by international standards or backed by your government, and provide benefits that meet the J visa requirements.
- Schooling and Childcare
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You are responsible for arranging any necessary schooling or childcare. Prior to your arrival, it is important to research local schools. Neither the U.S Department of State nor IIE can assist you financially. If any members of your family plan to attend school or study at a university in the United States, be sure to bring their academic records, including any documents that indicate their English proficiency, with you. You must have a birth certificate or other proof of age for any child who will be entering school.
You must also have immunization records for any child who will enroll in elementary school, secondary school, college or university. The records must show proof of the following immunizations and tests, indicating specific dates:
▪ Results of the PPD or Tyne test for tuberculosis
▪ Diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus
▪ Measles
▪ Mumps
▪ Polio
▪ Rubella
▪ Chicken pox
Most U.S. school systems also require a physical examination. You are encouraged to have your children immunized in your home country and bring their complete medical history with you to the United States. Typically, public schools are not available for children under the age of five.
If your spouse or another adult will not be accompanying you to care for your children, you will have to make other childcare arrangements, such as a privately-run daycare center or preschool, or an individual who can provide childcare services in his/her home. Childcare for young children is in high demand and can be very expensive in the United States. Scholars who require these services should inquire about the availability and cost of these services before arriving in the United States. There may be a childcare center on your university campus, which provides discounts to individuals affiliated with the institution. IIE cannot assist you with enrolling your children in school or childcare.
Please note that child welfare and childcare laws vary from state to state and may be different from those of your home country. Information on this topic and specific state statutes may be found on the Administration for Children and Family’s website at www.acf.hhs.gov.
- Employment for J-2 Dependents
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After coming to the United States, your dependents who are J-2 visa holders may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to accept paid employment.
Dependents must have permission from USCIS before they are able to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and to begin working. IIE cannot assist in this process. Obtaining USCIS’ work authorization for your dependents is not guaranteed.
USCIS will not authorize employment for a J-2 dependent if you indicate that you need this income to support the J-1 visa holder. Your dependent’s income is subject to federal income, state income and Social Security taxes. USCIS employment authorization for J-2 dependents remains valid only for the duration of the J-1 program at the time of application.
To request permission for dependents to accept employment, complete USCIS Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), which is available online at www.uscis.gov. Mail it with supporting documents and a check to the USCIS Service Center that has jurisdiction in your place of residence in the United States. You may find the mailing address of your local USCIS Service Center in the USCIS Instructions for I-765. Please note that processing time for this request is approximately 3-4 months.