Does J1 visa needs to be valid to apply for J2 visa

[manharnarang]

Hi,

My wife is on a J1 Visa. Her visa got expired a couple of months ago but she has a valid DS-2019 (and thus has a valid status in US). I need to apply for my J2 visa. Does she need to get her J1 Visa renewed before I can apply for the J2 or I will be able to get the J2 on the basis of the valid DS-2019.

Thanks in advance.

[newacct]

No. If she doesn't need to enter the US then she doesn't need a visa. It's her status that matters for you.