MrsAndMr

Here's a related one for you, as a J2 holder, would one be allowed to receive payment in the UK for work done remotely while in the US?

Also the J2 plus visa, how much money can be earned before it is deemed that you are supporting the J1 holder? Or does one just need to keep receipts to prove that the money has been spent on comics and sweeties? What are the rules on taking money out of the US in this situation?

Sorry for all the questions.

MoshiMoshi

Does this J2-holder have Employment Authorization? If so, then yes they can do this, but I have no idea what the tax situation would be (and that's probably what you were asking).

If the J2 doesn't have Employment Authorization whilst living in the US, then they can't legally do any paid work whilst here, including remote work and no matter where their wage is deposited.

As far as I know, once the J2 has applied for and received their EAD (Employment Authorization Document), then the actual finances won't be scrutinized again, in terms of ensuring that the J2 isn't supporting the J1. Are you thinking that the J2 will work and then file a tax return and someone will say 'nope, this isn't good -- you're earning too much in comparison to the J1'? Again, AFAIK this isn't going to happen and the J2 EAD-holder has pretty much a free reign on choosing jobs.

The J2 provides evidence of the joint financial situation as part of their EAD application -- in our case (husband J1, me J2) we had to detail what all our various household expenses were and state the take-home pay of the J1. This is where you demonstrate that the J1 is already earning enough to cover the family expenses. Your sponsoring institution should be able to give you guidelines or a template for this part -- it's a letter/document you prepare yourself, not a form you fill in -- but if you look at most college websites they have examples. (Google 'applying for J2 EAD'.)

If anyone has different info, please share, but (3rd time!) as far as I know that's the situation!