Employment Authorization for Dependents in
J-2 Status

Eligibility: Dependents of J-1 Exchange Visitors in J-2 visa status are eligible to apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for employment authorization. Bear in mind that J-2 dependents are NOT permitted to work or to receive a US Social Security Number until they have received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from the USCIS. Expect the processing time for the EAD to be at least two to three months.

How long may I work? J-2 dependents with employment authorization may work until the date on the EAD card or until the J-1 principal visitor completes his or her program, whichever is earlier. J-2 dependents may apply to renew work authorization, as long as the J-1 visitor remains in status. If the J-1 receives an extension of stay, the J-2 dependent must re-apply for work authorization once the extension has been granted. We recommend that applications for extensions of the EAD be made at least 3 months in advance of the expiration date on the card.

May I still work if the status of the J-1 ends? If the J-1 visitor discontinues the program at Columbia or changes to another visa category, the work authorization for the J-2 dependent will be withdrawn. Legal work authorization for J-2 dependents is always dependent on the status of the J-1 principal.

How do I apply? A complete application must include all of the following:

1. A completed I-765 form.
2. A bank check or money order for $340 made payable to "Department of Homeland Security" by:
   
   • a certified bank check
   • a money order (please note:a money order is more difficult to track than a check)
   • a personal check issued from a bank with branches in the U.S.
   
   
3. A photocopy of both sides of the J-1's I-94 card and J-2 dependent's I-94 card.
4. A photocopy of the information page of the J-2's passport showing photo and expiration date.
   
5. Photocopies of ALL DS-2019 or IAP-66 documents issued to the J-1 exchange visitor and J-2 dependent.
6. Two identical color photographs. The USCIS requires that the photos meet the specifications for the full frontal/passport type of photos and not be more than 30 days old when the applications is filed. For more information on photo standards, visit the Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/index.html. A convenient photo center nearby, called "Fotorush", is located on 112th and Broadway.
7. A brief letter addressed to USCIS stating the request for work authorization. It is important that the letter clearly state that the income received from employment is not needed to financially support either the J-1 visitor or the J-2 dependents. The letter should state that work authorization is being sought for other purposes. Some examples would be the wish to gain work experience, for purposes of career advancement, or for cultural enrichment.
8. If re-applying for authorization, include a photocopy of any previous EAD card.

If you would like to ensure your application and forms are complete, an ISSO adviser can review your application materials and answer any questions you may have. The review is optional. Send the completed application by courier service or CERTIFIED MAIL with a return receipt to:

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-9765

Guide to Filling Out the I-765
Application for Employment Authorization

#3   Address. Provide a U.S. address where you are able to receive mail when the EAD card is issued (anywhere from 4-12 weeks). If you will be moving during this period, you might consider having your EAD card sent to you "care of" (C/O) a friend with a permanent address. The U.S. Postal Service will not forward the EAD card to a different address.

#9   Social Security Number. Persons in J-2 visa status are not eligible to apply for a social security number until AFTER work authorization has been approved. If this is your first time applying for work authorization, you will most likely not have a social security number. If you do not have a social security number, leave this field blank.

#10   Alien Registration Number. This will be the eleven-digit "departure" number on the I-94 card.

#14   Manner of Last Entry. The manner of last entry will be "J-2 dependent" unless you have filed to change immigration status since last entering the United States.

#15   Current Immigration Status. Current immigration status will be marked on your I-94 card. This should be "J-2."

#16   Eligibility. The eligibility category for J-2 dependents who are applying for work authorization is (c)(5). The response to Question 16 should appear as: ( c )( 5 )( ).

Make sure to sign and date the I-765 form at the bottom before you submit your application.
Your signature will be scanned onto your employment authorization card.

Last Reviewed: 31 August 2007 Last modified: 31 August 2007
International Students and S0cholars Office
Columbia University