Overview

J-2 dependents who enter the U.S. in J-2 status and are currently present in the U.S. are eligible to submit an application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in order to work in the U.S.

The processing time for EAD card applications varies, and can take up to 3 months. The application cannot be submitted until the J-2 dependent has entered the U.S. in J-2 status, and can only be submitted while the J-2 dependent is physically present in the U.S.

The EAD card will typically be issued to match the length of the J-1’s DS-2019. If the J-1 principal extends their DS-2019, and the J-2 would also like to extend their work authorization, they will need to submit a new I-765 application to USCIS to renew the EAD. J-2 dependents are only authorized to work during the dates authorized on their EAD card.

Both part-time and full-time work are permitted using a J-2 EAD card, however any income earned through J-2 employment should not be for the intention of supporting the J-1 principal. J-2 dependents are encouraged to include a support letter, written by themselves to USCIS, with their EAD application to clarify how prospective future employment will not be used for these purposes.

Application Process

To apply for an EAD, the J-2 dependent must prepare the following documents either apply online or mail their application to USCIS.

Applying Online (recommended): You may create an account with USCIS and file the Form I-765 online. Follow the instructions to File a form online, then Select the form you want to file online (I-765, Application for Employment Authorization). You do not need to upload a PDF version of the Form I-765. Follow the online instructions to prepare to submit the following documents:

  • Two passport photos
    • Photos should be passport style: white background, unmounted glossy, with a full face position, not retouched
    • Photos should not be taken earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS
  • Photocopy of the identification page in J-2’s passport
  • Photocopy of the visa page in J-2’s passport
  • J-2’s I-94
  • Photocopies of the J-2 and J-1’s current and prior DS-2019s
  • Photocopies of any Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards previously issued to the J-2
  • Photocopy of the J-2’s driver’s license or other photo identification, if available
  • Letter explaining why work authorization is sought (see sample below), written by J-2 applicant; the letter should state that employment is not necessary to support the J-1
  • Marriage certificate (if spouse of the J-1), or birth certificate (if child of the J-1)
    • Foreign-language documents should include an official English translation
  • $470 I-765 application fee (Payment may be made via a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. If a credit card is used, it must be issued by a U.S. bank)

 

Applying by Mail: Submit the documents listed below to USCIS

  • Original G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
  • Original Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization – please refer to OGS’s supplemental I-765 guide for assistance
    • On item #9, leave blank if you do not yet have a Social Security number.
    • On item #16, put in the code, “(C)(5)( )”.
  • Two passport photos
    • Photos should be passport style: white background, unmounted glossy, with a full face position, not retouched
    • Photos should not be taken earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS
    • Lightly print your name and SEVIS ID on the back of each photo with a pencil
  • Photocopy of the identification page in J-2’s passport
  • Photocopy of the visa page in J-2’s passport
  • J-2’s I-94
  • Photocopies of the J-2 and J-1’s current and prior DS-2019s
  • Photocopies of any Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards previously issued to the J-2
  • Photocopy of the J-2’s driver’s license or other photo identification, if available
  • Letter explaining why work authorization is sought (see sample below), written by J-2 applicant; the letter should state that employment is not necessary to support the J-1
  • Marriage certificate (if spouse of the J-1), or birth certificate (if child of the J-1)
    • Foreign-language documents should include an official English translation
  • $520 USCIS I-765 Paper Filing Application Fee
    • Payment Options:
      • Personal check, money order, or bank check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are filing a paper application after October 28, 2025, you must pay with one of the following two options below.
      • Electronic ACH debit from a U.S. bank account: File the G-1650 along with your application
      • Credit card payment: File the G-1450 along with your application
      • Note: If USCIS receives your application with the wrong fee payment, your application will be rejected and returned to you.

Mailing Instructions

  • Please be sure to mail your documents to the correct Lockbox address based on the mailing method you select.
  • For Overnight or Courier Delivery with tracking (RECOMMENDED), please use a service such as FedEx Next Day, UPS, etc. If using the United States Post Office (USPS) to mail your application, using “CERTIFIED Mail” is recommended.

Key Resources

Sample Letter for J-2 Employment »

This letter is to help J-2 visa holders request employment authorization.