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You may pick up an application packet for J-2 employment
authorization at OIE-IS or download here.
In order to have a complete application you must submit
the following documents:
1. Completed USCIS Form I-765 (available in the application
packet.) For more information. [PDF]
2. Check or money order for $340, made payable to
the USCIS.
3. Copy of the J-1 principle and the J-2 dependent’s
DS-2019s.
4. Copy of the front and back of the J-1 and J-2’s
I-94 cards.
5. Copy of the biographical information and expiration
date of J-1 and J-2’s passport.
6. Two photographs that meet USCIS
specifications [PDF](specifications
available in the application packet).
7. Signed statement that the employment is not for living
expenses while in the U.S.
In order to apply, make an appointment to have the international
student/scholar adviser review the packet and mail it directly
to the USCIS, or you can mail it on your own. If you would
like to send the application for work authorization directly
to the USICS without the oversight of OIE-IS, the address
is: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Eastern
Service Center, 75 Lower Welden St., St. Albans, VT 05479-0001.
If you plan to mail it on your own, please make sure that
you keep a copy of the completed application, and send the
application by some type of receipted or registered mail.
Once the USCIS receives your application you should get
a receipt notice within two weeks. This will indicate current
processing times. Usually it takes at least three to four
months for the Employment Authorization Document to be processed.
When the card is issued it will be mailed directly to the
address listed on the Form I-765.
A J-2 may work only until the date authorized on the Employment
Authorization Document or until the J-1 completes his or her
program and returns home, whichever comes first. A J-2 may
not remain in the U.S. after the J-1 leaves, because the J-2
status is totally dependent on the J-1 status. If the J-1
changes to another status such as H-1B, the J-2 loses J-2
status and work permission ends.
If the J-1 is still in status, however, you can apply to
extend your work authorization by repeating the application
process described above and including a photocopy of the current
Employment Authorization Document with the items you send
to the USCIS. Remember that it takes three to four months
for extension approval, so apply early in order to keep employment
authorization uninterrupted.
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