J-2 EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

J-2 work permits are obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) through an application process that takes an average of 3 months to
process. Employment may not begin until the J-2 has received the work permit, called the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
The EAD allows the J-2 dependent to work in any job, full-time or part-time. Employment cannot extend beyond the end date on the EAD. Extensions of the
EAD are possible, up to the end date on the DS-2019. Please note that the extension process also takes an average of 3 months, so plan ahead if employment
needs to be continuous (without any gaps between work authorization periods).
No international travel is recommended while the J-2 work permit (EAD) application is pending at USCIS. The application could be denied based on the fact
that the applicant is not in any U.S. immigration status while they are abroad, and therefore ineligible for any status-associated benefits, including the EAD.

Application Process
To apply for an EAD, mail the items listed below to USCIS (address below). Photocopy the application packet for record keeping.
1.

$380 Check
The fee must be the correct amount or the application will be returned. Check or money orders must be made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland
Security. A name and address must be printed on the check; temporary checks are not allowed.
2.
I-765 Form
Print this form from the USCIS web site. Complete the form and dont forget to sign at the bottom. The signature must stay between the lines.

On item #9, write "none" if J-2 does not have a Social Security Number.

On item #16, write in the code, "(C)(5)( )".

3.
DS-2019s
Photocopy (not original) of both the J-1 and J-2 DS-2019 forms.
4.
I-94 (J-2)
Photocopy. The I-94 can be either the paper I-94 card stapled in the passport (make copy of both sides) or the electronic I-94 record found
at www.cbp.gov/i94 if you received a passport admission stamp.
5.
Passport photos (2)
See instructions on the U.S. Department of State web site. Lightly print name and I-94 number on the back of each photo, in case they get separated from the
application.
6.
J-2 Work Permission Letter (see example)
7.
Financial Documentation
Photocopy of funding documentation used to obtain J-2 visa.
8.
J-2 Biographical Data
Photocopy of biographical page in the J-2s passport.
9.
Proof of Marriage
Photocopy of marriage certificate, with certification of translation if not in English
10.
For an extension/renewal of a work permit (average processing time of 3 months), include all of the above items and a photocopy of previous EAD
card(s). Please note that a renewal application cannot be filed more than 120 days before the current EAD expires.

Mailing the Application to the USCIS

Send the application to the appropriate address, depending on the type of mail service you use:

USPS (Priority Mail Recommended):

USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036

Express Mail:
(Federal Express, UPS, etc.)
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034

E-Notification
To receive an e-mail and/or a text message that the application has been accepted at USCIS, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition
Acceptance and attach it to the top of the application.

I-797 Receipt "Notice of Action"

Within 2-4 weeks of submitting the application to USCIS, a I-797 Receipt Notice should arrive via mail. Use the receipt number (beginning with WAC if you
are applying through the California Service Center) to check the status of the application (case) online. To check the status of the case, please visit USCIS web
site's Case State Service Online.