How Does the Department of State Act as an IGA for a J-2 Waiver?
For the narrow independent J-2 procedure, DOS instructs the applicant to request that the Department itself act as the Interested Government Agency based on humanitarian circumstances.
The J-2 selects the IGA non-physician basis
DOS instructs independently applying J-2 spouses and children to select Interested Government Agency (non-physician) on the DS-3035.
The applicant asks DOS itself to act as IGA
The statement must include a request for the Department of State to act as an Interested Government Agency on the J-2 applicant's behalf.
This is different from an ordinary federal IGA case
In a standard IGA waiver, another U.S. federal agency requests the waiver because of its programmatic interest. The independent J-2 procedure uses DOS itself based on the humanitarian circumstances described by the applicant.
The procedure is exceptional
DOS does not describe this as a routine alternative waiver route for J-2 dependents. It is limited to the recognized death, divorce, and age-21 circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which waiver basis does an independent J-2 select?
Interested Government Agency (non-physician).
Which agency does the J-2 ask to act as IGA?
The Department of State itself.
Is this the same as a normal federal-agency IGA waiver?
No. It is a special humanitarian procedure for certain J-2 applicants.
Need Help With a J-1 Waiver?
The Messersmith Law Firm represents J-1 exchange visitors, physicians, researchers, professionals, and families in complex INA §212(e) matters.
Contact Us