Immigration

Employment of J-2 Dependents
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant an individual in J-2 visa status permission for employment in the United States. J-2 visa holders are not eligible to be employed until they have received employment authorization from USCIS in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Authorized dates of employment for J-2 visa holders are noted on the EAD and usually match the dates on the Form DS-2019. Once an application has been received by USCIS, it may take up to four months to be approved.

Applying for Employment Authorization
When applying for J-2 work permission, the J-2 visa holder must provide:

• a completed Form I-765 signed in blue ink by the J-2 visa holder.
• a photocopy of the J-2's Form I-94, front and back
• a photocopy of the J-1's Form I-94, front and back
• photocopies of both the J-1's and the J-2's most recent Forms DS-2019
• photocopies of the personal data (photo) page of the J-1's and J-2's passports
• photocopy of most recent U.S. visas in the J-1's and the J-2's passports
• a $340 check or money order made payable to the "Department of Homeland Security"
• a written statement requesting J-2 work authorization
• proof of marriage to the J-1 visa holder (e.g. marriage license, family book, etc)
• two photographs with photograph specifications
• a photocopy of the J-2's previous EAD (if this is an extension application)*

*For an extension application, you should apply at least four months before your current employment authorization expires. J-2 visa holders may not apply for an extension of their employment authorization until the J-1 visa holders have their status extended.

Mail completed application materials to:

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

Note: It is advisable to mail the application from a U.S. Post Office by "certified mail or return receipt requested," and to make photocopies of the entire application for your own records. If you have any questions, please contact the HIO at 617-495-2789.

J-2 Social Security Number and Taxes
Once you receive J-2 work authorization, you must apply for a Social Security Number (SSN). Take your passport, Form I-94, both your Form DS-2019 and the J-1's Form DS-2019, and your EAD to the Social Security Administration office at Somerville, 240 Elm St., Marks Building, Somerville, MA The office is open from 9am to 4pm.

At the Social Security Administration Office you must take a number at the entrance in order to be helped. After you complete and hand in the SSN application form, you will receive notification of your SSN in the mail. The process usually takes from four to eight weeks. You may call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website with any questions.

Income earned by J-2 dependents is subject to federal and state income taxes as well as Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA).