Requesting a New DS-2019 for J-2 Dependent

NOTE: The following information is only for J-1 students with a DS-2019 issued by Boston University. If another Exchange Visitor Program sponsor (as stated in section 2 of your document) issued your DS-2019, you should contact the Responsible Officer of your program for assistance.

If you have a spouse and/or minor children who wish to stay with you in the U.S., you must amend your current DS-2019 and obtain a new DS-2019 for each dependent.

Please follow the steps below:

1. Print out and complete the Application Form for Dependents (Acrobat PDF File). This form can also be picked up at the ISSO.
2. You must provide proof that, in addition to your own tuition, fees and living expenses, you also possess sufficient funds to cover the living expenses of your dependents while they live with you in the U.S. Please refer to our current estimate of expenses to determine how much additional funding you will need to show.
   
   If your funds are your own, you only need to submit a bank letter or statement verifying these funds. If you are receiving funds from a sponsor, they will need to provide bank documentation, plus a personal letter of support that verifies they will provide for the living expenses of your spouse and/or children while they stay with you in the U.S. For your convenience, Boston University has prepared a Sponsorship Certification Form for this purpose.
   
   If you currently have financial documentation on file with the ISSO that is less than a year old and already shows adequate funding, this will be acceptable as proof of funds.
   
   All financial documents must be originals, signed and dated, written in English, and currency amounts listed in US dollars.
3. Come to the ISSO with the above documentation. Also, bring your current DS-2019, passport and I-94 card (do not bring copies). Ask to fill out a request for a new DS-2019 to add dependents. It normally takes 5 business days to complete this request.

Issuance of DS-2019

You will be issued an amended DS-2019 to reflect the total number of dependents joining you in the U.S. This will become your valid DS-2019, and should be attached on top of your old DS-2019.

Additionally, a DS-2019 will be issued for each dependent to apply for a J-2 visa and enter the U.S., or to apply for a change to J-2 status if they are already in the U.S.