J-2 dependent
A J-2 dependent may receive authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for the duration of the J-1 Exchange Visitor’s (EV) program. If the J-2 dependent meets the required criteria and complies with the guidelines for employment, any type of lawful employment is permitted, whether full- or part-time. However, the work cannot be for the purpose of supporting the J-1 spouse or parent.
To apply for employment, the J-2 dependent must submit the following to USCIS:
- G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
- $410 check or money order payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- 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
- Photocopies of the J-2 and J-1’s current and prior DS-2019s
- 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 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
- 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
Employment is generally authorized for the duration of the DS-2019 and may be renewed if the J-1’s program is extended.
Please find a Sample Letter below in the Key Resources.