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The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A. J-1 Waivers and INA §212(e)
J-2 Waivers

How Are J-2 Spouses and Children Included on the J-1 Waiver Application?

DOS instructs the principal J-1 applicant to list spouses and children who had J-2 status in the online DS-3035 waiver recommendation application.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith · 2026-09-14

The online application asks about J-2 dependents

Current DOS instructions tell applicants with a spouse or children who had J-2 status to list those dependents as requested in the online application.

Include former J-2 status accurately

The DOS wording refers to spouses or children who had J-2 status, so the immigration history should be completed accurately rather than focusing only on a dependent's current status.

Separate DS-3035 applications are normally unnecessary

When the principal J-1 is seeking the waiver, the listed J-2 dependents are automatically included in the recommendation application.

Keep the family immigration history consistent

Names, dates of birth, relationships, DS-2019 history, and prior J status should be reviewed carefully so the waiver record accurately reflects the family members affected by §212(e).

Legal Authorities and Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State — How to Apply for a J-1 Waiver
  2. U.S. Department of State — J-1 Waiver Frequently Asked Questions
  3. U.S. Department of State — J-1 Waiver Eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I list a spouse who previously had J-2 status?

DOS instructs applicants to list spouses and children who had J-2 status as requested by the online form.

Does listing the J-2 require another fee?

No additional DOS fee is charged for J-2 dependents included on the principal application.

Does listing a J-2 mean the dependent files separately?

No.

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