Applying for J-2 Employment Authorization

Important Points to Consider:

• Only dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitors who have entered the U.S. in J-2 visa status are eligible to apply to the USCIS for employment authorization.
• Employment authorization is valid for any type of employment and even several jobs at the same time.
• Authorization is generally valid for four years, unless the current DS-2019 expires earlier, in which case the permit will be issued to the end date of the DS-2019.
• If the J-1’s DS-2019 is expiring, the J-2 will have to wait for the extension of the DS-2019 before the employment authorization can be renewed. This means that the J-1’s DS-2019 should be extended well before the expiration of the J-2’s current employment authorization. 
• If the J-1 changes his or her status to another classification, such as H-1 or F-1, the J-2 will have to change their status to H-4 or F-2, respectively and therefore, stop employment once the change of status becomes effective.  Even though the J-2 may still have a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), they are not permitted to work unless their spouse holds J-1 status.

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The J-2 Employment Authorization application process is done by mail only. There is NO personal or "walk-in" application procedure. ALL items listed below comprise a complete application for Employment Authorization.

Please follow the step-by-step instructions below:

1. Fill out Form I-765 - Application for employment authorization. Visit the USCIS Immigration Forms website for a downloadable version in Adobe Acrobat.

   Guidance for common questions:

   • Question 9- if you DO NOT have a Social Security number, enter "NONE"
   • Question 10- the Alien registration number (A-number) is issued to those who have applied for Permanent Residence OR are renewing their Employment Authorization.
     • If you have such a number, enter it here.
     • If you do NOT have such a number, enter the number from your I-94 card (the small white card stapled in your passport).
   • Question 12- "Date of last entry" (meaning your MOST RECENT entry into the U.S.) will be found on your I-94 card.
     • The I-94 card is the small white card that was stapled in your passport by the USCIS inspector when you entered the U.S.
   • Question 14- Enter "J-2 Exchange Visitor dependent"
   • Question 15- Enter "J-2 Exchange Visitor dependent"
   • Question 16- Enter: "(C) (5) "--ignore the last set of parentheses

   Please note: DO NOT FORGET TO SIGN THE FORM!  Be sure to sign within the lines.

2. Enclose a check for fee as noted in I-765 form instructions made payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Visit the USCIS website for current filing fees. (*USCIS fees change periodically, and if the wrong fee amount is sent, the application will be returned.)
3. Enclose a photocopy, back and front, of your I-94 card ( the small white card that was stapled in your passport by the USCIS inspector when you entered the U.S.).
4. Enclose a photocopy of J-1's (principal alien's) DS-2019.
5. Enclose a photocopy of J-2's (dependent) DS-2019.
6. Enclose 2 passport-size photographs:
   • These photos can be taken at the Overseas Resource Center at Bechtel International Center or at any other place that takes passport photos. (downloadable PDF of USCIS' photo requirements)
   • Print your name LIGHTLY IN PENCIL on the back of each photograph. Staple the envelope containing the pictures on the front page of form I-765.
7. Enclose a photocopy of your passport: Do NOT send your Passport! Include only the pages containing the expiration date of your passport and the photo.
8. A copy of your marriage certificate:
• Note: if it is not in English, it will have to be translated either by you or someone else. Any translation should include a statement to the effect that the person translating the document is fluent in both English and the other language and that they certify that the translation is true and accurate.  Click here to see how the translation should be formatted.
9. Enclose a cover letter:

   This letter should state something along the lines of the following:

   "I am applying for employment authorization as a J-2 dependent. My husband (or wife) is currently in J-1 visa status as a student (or scholar) and has sufficient funds for his (or her) support. Any income from my employment will NOT be used to support the J-1. I will use this income for purposes of cultural enrichment and recreation." You may elaborate on what types of cultural or recreational activities you wish to pursue (although it is not required).

   Also add a statement that you have included the previously mentioned documents.

   NOTE: If you have been previously issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), make sure that you make a photocopy of that document and include it with your application.

10. Mail all documents to the USCIS Service Center address found in the I-765 form instructions. It is strongly advised that you mail it by "certified mail with a return receipt" or by courier service (e.g. FedEx) to have proof that your application was received. 

Keep in mind that you are NOT permitted to work until you receive the EAD card. USCIS has stated that they expect to be able to process your work permit in 60 to 80 days, though it could possibly take more than 90 days. Check current processing times here.

Go here for information on what to expect after you submit your J-2 Employment Authorization ->

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