Office of International Services
  • Employment & Taxes
  • Dependents
  • J-2 Dependent Employment

J-2 Dependent Employment

Dependents of J-1 exchange visitors are allowed to work part-time or full-time in the United States at the job of their choice. J-2 dependents may apply for work authorization once they have entered the country. OIS is not involved in this process, but can assist with any questions you may have.

We recommend waiting at least 30 days after the J-2 dependent’s arrival in the United States before applying for employment authorization. Applications submitted earlier may prompt the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to question whether the individual entered the United States on a J-2 visa to apply for a work visa.

  • After entering the United States, J-2 dependents may request employment authorization from USCIS by mail.

    Step 1: Collect Required Application Materials

    Collect the following application materials before applying:

    1. Completed Form I-765 from the USCIS website
    2. Check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the amount listed for I-765 instructions. Indicate your name and address on the check.
    3. Letter to USCIS explaining the reason for requesting employment authorization
    4. Copies of both J-1 and J-2 DS-2019s. Do not send the originals.
    5. Copy of J-2 visa stamp in passport
    6. Copy of J-2’s biographical page in passport
    7. Copies of the I-94 printouts for both the J-1 visa holder and the J-2 dependent
    8. Two U.S. passport-style photos, with your name and I-94 number printed on the back of each
    9. Copy of the marriage certificate translated into English
    10. Copies of any previously issued Employment Authorization Document (if re-applying for J-2 employment authorization)

    Be sure to make photocopies of your entire application for your records.

    Step 2: Mail Application Materials to USCIS Service Center

    All required application materials should be sent by mail to the appropriate USCIS Service Center. The address can be found in the I-765 instructions. We recommend that you send your application via the U.S. Postal Service by Certified Mail with Return Receipt, which will provide a mailing receipt, online tracking and a signature from the recipient upon delivery.

    Step 3: Wait for Your Employment Authorization Document

    Do not accept employment until you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Processing times are approximately three months.

    Step 4: Apply for a Social Security Card

    Once you receive your EAD, apply for a Social Security card. 

  • The J-2 dependent may work until the end date indicated on the EAD card or until the J-1 principal visitor completes his or her program — whichever is earlier. (Your EAD end date will usually match the expiration date on the J-1 visa holder’s DS-2019.)

    The J-2 dependent can apply to renew work authorization if the J-1 visa holder remains in status. If the J-1 visa holder extends their DS-2019, the J-2 dependent must reapply for work authorization following the extension.

    Work authorization for the J-2 dependent is always dependent on the status of the J-1 visa holder. If the J-1 visa holder no longer works at USC or changes to a new visa category, the J-2 dependent’s work authorization automatically ends.

  • To avoid a gap in employment, OIS recommends that you renew your EAD three months before the end date on your current EAD. You are not permitted to work beyond the previously authorized date. The renewal process is the same as your initial application.

J-2 Dependents

Social Security Number

U.S. Taxes