Information and Application for J-2 Work Permission

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant an individual in J-2 status (the spouses and dependent children of a J-1) permission to accept employment in the United States. F-2 visa holders (the spouses and dependent children of an F-1) cannot obtain work authorization. J-2 visa holders are not eligible to be employed until they have received employment authorization from USCIS and have been issued an Employment Authorization Card (EAC). Authorized employment for J-2 visa holders is limited to the dates written by USCIS on the EAC and usually matches the expiration date on the DS-2019. If the Form DS-2019 is valid for more than one year, the EAC should be granted for more than one year. Once your application has been received by USCIS, it may take up to three months to be approved.

PREPARING THE INITIAL OR EXTENSION APPLICATION
Applications for J-2 work authorization or extension of authorization should include:

1. a completed Form I-765 (click here), signed in blue ink. (click here for Guide to Completing the Form I-765)
2. a photocopy of the J-2’s I-94 card, front and back
3. a photocopy of the J-1’s I-94 card, front and back
4. photocopies of both the J-1’s and the J-2’s most recent SEVIS FormsDS-2019; both Forms DS-2019 must be signed by a responsible officer as well as by the J-1 visa holder
5. photocopies of the personal data pages from your passport, most recent U.S. visa stamps and the most recent U.S. admission stamps in the J-1’s and the J-2’s passports.
6. a $340 check or money order made payable to the “Department of Homeland Security”
7. a written statement requesting J-2 work authorization (click here for J-2 sample letter)
8. proof of marriage to the J-1 visa holder (e.g. marriage license, family book, etc)
9. two photographs (click here for photograph specifications)
10. a photocopy of your EAC (if this is an extension application)*

*If this is an extension application, you should apply at least three months before your current employment authorization expires. When the J-1 visa holder obtains an extension of stay, you should apply for an extension of the work permission. Due to the time it may take for the extension of your work permit, it is advisable for the J-1 visa holder to apply for an extension of stay more than three months prior to the expiration date on the Form DS-2019. Once you have the new Forms DS-2019 for the J-1 and the J-2(s), you will be eligible to apply for an extension of your work authorization.

Mail completed application materials to:

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

Important note: It is advisable to mail the application from a U.S. Post Office by “certified mail/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.