Sometimes this is possible and sometimes it is not. Persons in J-2 status may accept employment in the United States only if they have been granted employment authorization by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. You can get more information about employment authorization from the International Student and Scholar Advisor. Domestic Violence Academic and family responsibilities in unfamiliar surroundings far from friends and family often cause strains within the families of international students. Sometimes that strain can lead to domestic violence, or spouse abuse.
Domestic violence ranges from mildly abusive actions to severely violent, life-threatening behavior.
In the United States such occurrences are no longer sanctioned as private family matters. Temporary shelters are available in most communities for victims of family violence. International students with families often experience financial difficulties that are no different from those experienced by American students with families. Although the U.S. government has benefit programs designed to assist low-income families living in the United States, most such programs are available only to U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents. Nonimmigrants on F, M, and J visas are generally not eligible.