Employment for Dependents

While your J-2 dependents are in the United States, they may apply for employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), if they wish. Such employment cannot be used to financially support the J-1 Exchange Visitor.

To apply for the J-2 employment authorization card, your J-2 dependent will need to prepare the following items:

  • A Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization available at the (USCIS website)
  • A check, cashier's check, or money order payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (do not abbreviate - write out the full name).  Please check the USCIS website for current fee amount.
  • Two passport-style photos of the J2 applicant, taken within 30 days of filing your application. The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.  The passport-style photos must be 2" by 2". The photos must be in color with full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1" to 1 3/8" from top to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1 1/8' to 1 3/8" from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious order of which you are a member. Using pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and Alien Receipt Number on the back of the photo.
  • A photocopy of the J-2 dependent's passport identification page
  • A photocopy of the J-2 dependent's visa stamp and passport entry inspection stamp
  • A photocopy of the J-2 dependent's I-94 record
  • A photocopy of the J-2 dependent's Form DS-2019
  • A photocopyof the J-1 exchange visitor's passport identification page
  • A photocopy of the J-1 exchange visitor's visa stamp and passport entry inspection stamp
  • A photocopy of the J-1 exchange visitor's I-94 record
  • A photocopy of the J-1 exchange visitor's Form DS-2019
  • A photocopy of the marriage certificate or birth certificate showing the relationship of the J-1 and J-2 (including English translation if not originally issued in English)
  • Documentation showing that the J-1 exchange visitor has adequate funding to support both himself/herself as well as any accompanying J-2 dependents
  • A letter to USCIS (this may be addressed "Dear Officer,") from the J-2 dependent, explaining the reasons why the J-2 wishes to obtain employment authorization. Examples of valid reasons might be to practice English, to interact with Americans, to maintain/further a skill or profession already learned at home, or to pay for an extra activity for the family such as music lessons or a vacation. Again, the J-2 must show that his/her employment is not needed to support the J-1 financially and will not be used for that purpose. You must include the statement "The funds gained from this employment will not be used to provide basic financial support of the J-1 exchange visitor."

Can Someone Assist Me With This Application?

Yes - although the program sponsor does not recommend J-2 employment or does not need to submit the application for J-2 employment authorization, your scholar advisor at International Students and Scholars will be glad to review your application materials for accuracy before you submit them to USCIS for processing, if you wish. Please schedule an appointment with the advisor if you wish to have your application reviewed.

What Happens After The Application Is Sent To USCIS?

Once the J-2 employment authorization is submitted to USCIS, the J-2 applicant must wait for approval to be issued before beginning any employment. This processing period may take approximately 90 days (possibly longer). While waiting for the approval, the J-2 may look for jobs, submit applications and resumes, and participate in job interviews; however, he/she MUST NOT BEGIN WORKING until the employment authorization document (EAD card) has been received and can be presented to the employer for inspection (note that employment is only permitted during the dates specified on the EAD card).

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Before sending the application to USCIS, be sure to make a complete copy of the application for your records. Once the employment authorization is granted, it may be used to work in any job, and there is no restriction on the number of hours that may be worked. The employment authorization is generally valid for up to one year, and may be renewed up to the program end date on the DS-2019 (note that each application requires a fee and the usual processing time of approximately 90 days, so apply for renewals well in advance if planning to continue employment). Traveling outside the United States while an employment authorization application is pending is not recommended, as there is a chance the application could be denied if the applicant is not physically present in the United States.