J-2 Employment Authorization

wave gradient

J-2 visa holders may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work in the U.S. 

  • If approved, the J-2  will receive the EAD with no work restrictions.
  • The EAD is an identification card that verifies that you have been authorized to work in the U.S. 
  • You can only work within the authorized dates of your EAD. 
  • If you are applying for a renewal of your J-2 work permission you cannot work beyond the previously authorized date until you receive a new EAD.

The information below is to be used as a guide. You may be asked for additional information after you submit your application. If you need additional information, please visit the USCIS website.

Processing Times

USCIS processing times for an Employment Authorization Document can vary. Please visit the USCIS website for more information. You may not work without a valid EAD card.

Application Materials

Step 1: Prepare a letter to USCIS explaining the reason for requesting employment authorization. (See sample letter below)

Step 2: Complete the I-765 Form:

  • Complete Form I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization.” Please review USCIS I-765 Instructions in addition to our tips below.:
    • Part 2: Question 27: (C) (5) ( )
    • Part 2: Questions 28 – 31b: Leave blank
    • Part 3: Question 7a: Applicant’s Signature: Sign in black ink and make sure your signature does not touch any lines.
    • Part 4: Leave this entire section blank if an interpreter did NOT help you complete this form.
    • Part 5: Leave this entire section blank if someone did NOT prepare this form on your behalf.
    • Part 6: Indicate here if you have been previously authorized J-2 employment. Include copies of the EAD, DS-2019’s, passport, and J-2 visa stamp for the period of employment authorization.
  • Form G-1145 (optional) to request that they email you when approved
  • Include the following items with your application:
    • Completed and signed I-765
    • Letter from applicant
    • Copies of I-94 documents for J-1 and J-2 visa holders
    • Copies of previous of DS-2019 documents for J-1 and J-2 visa holders
    • A copy of your passport ID page with your photo and information
    • Marriage certificate or other proof of marriage to the J-1 visa holder
    • Two identical passport-style color photographs. Print your name lightly in pencil on the back of the two photographs (include the number on your previous EAD if you have one).
    • A personal check or money order for $520 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
    • A photocopy of the front and back of your present EAD card, if you are applying for an extension.

Sample Request Letter

You can model your request letter after the sample below. The letter is very simple and does not need to be more than several lines of text.

USCIS
Address
[Insert the correct filing address based on your preferred mailing method. You can find the filing addresses here (look under “Foreign Students”, category (c)(5)]

To Whom It May Concern,

I would like to apply for employment authorization on the basis of my J-2 status in the U.S. I am the dependent of (name) who is a (student/scholar) on a J-1 visa at the University of California, Irvine. I would like to apply for work permission because (write whatever is truly your situation)

  • I would like the opportunity to further my career as a (name a field of work) while in the U.S., or
  • I want to be prepared just in case there is an employment opportunity for me in the future, since it takes so long to get the work permit, or
  • The extra income could pay for personal recreational expenses (my education, my children’s expanded learning, additional trips to explore the U.S., other…), or
  • Any income earned would be used only for myself and/or my children and not used for the support of the J-1 student/scholar
  • Other…

I declare that the money I earn will not be used to support my spouse.

Sincerely,

Sign Name
Print Name

Step 3: Make a photocopy of the complete application for your own records.

Step 4: Mail the application and all supporting documents to:

If You Live In:Mail Your Application To:
 Arizona, California, Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania USCIS Lockbox Filing Locations

After mailing in the documents, you will receive a notice (Form I-797) stating you need to wait to receive your EAD. You can track your case with the receipt number on the USCIS website. Be sure to keep this receipt for your files.

Step 5: If the USCIS approves your request, they will issue you an Employment Authorization Document [EAD] showing the valid dates of employment. 

Social Security Number

After receiving your EAD, you will need to apply for a Social Security Number in order to work. Please click here for more information about Social Security.

Extension of Stay and Extension of Work Authorization

The USCIS can authorize J-2 employment until the end date on your Form DS-2019. You should request an extension of your EAD 90-120 days before it expires, as you will not be able to legally work if your EAD card has expired, even if you have filed an extension.