J-2 Dependent Work Authorization

J-2 dependents may be eligible for work authorization in the United States if the employment is not required to support the expenses of the J-1 Exchange Visitor. This work authorization requires the J-2 dependent to apply directly to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

To be eligible for J-2 Employment Authorization, you must

  • Be in valid J-2 status
  • Be seeking employment that is NOT required to support the J-1 spouse or parent

How to Apply

You must keep in mind that the I-765 application is your personal application for employment authorization. You are responsible for following all USCIS instructions and making sure that the application is correct and complete. ISSS provides general information but cannot correct, edit, or change any information on your application for you. If you have any issues or questions regarding your I-765 application, you will need to work directly with USCIS.

The that adjudicators may review an applicant's social media presence as part of the application review for Form I-765, and adjudicators may deny an application based on negative factors found in that review. Individuals who are submitting an application to USCIS should be mindful of their social media presence. 

You will need to submit your application to USCIS by mail. Include the following documents with your application:

  • . Use this form to request a text and/or email when USCIS accepts your I-765 form.
  • –You must include all 7 pages with your application. This document must be typed.
    • Check box 1.a. for Initial permission to accept employment. If you have previously had an EAD under J-2 status, check box 1.c. for Renewal of my permission to accept employment.
    • On page 3, question 27, enter the correct employment code (c)(5)( )
  • – Taken within the last 30 days. Write your name and I-94 number on the back of the photos lightly in pencil or ball point pen.
  • Application Fee of $520 for applications filed by mail.
    • U.S. Credit or Debit Card: You must complete to pay your application fee with a credit card or debit card. 
    • ACH transaction from a U.S. bank account: You must complete to pay with an automatic debit from a U.S. bank account. 
    • USCIS does not accept payments by check, money order, or cashier's check.
  • Written Statement, with supporting evidence (bank statements or other financial documents) showing that your employment is not necessary to support the J-1 but is for other purposes
  • Document Photocopies – Do not send any originals of these supporting documents:
    • J-1 and J-2 dependent record or photocopy of paper I-94 card (both sides)
    • J-1 and J-2 Visas
    • J-1 and J-2 Passport ID pages – Passport must be valid at least 6 months into the future
    • All J-1 and J-2 DS-2019s
    • Marriage certificate or birth certificate showing relationship between J-2 and J-1
    • Previously issued EAD Card(s) (Front and Back), if applicable

Use Priority Mail/Express Mail to send your application to USCIS:

  • The address to which you should mail your application is determined by the address you provide on item 5a (page 2, Your U.S. Mailing Address) of the I-765 Form.
  • for the address where you should mail your application.

Monitor your mail for additional updates

USCIS may send Requests for Evidence, Notices for a Required Biometrics Appointment, or other crucial information needed in order to process your application. ISSS does not receive any notification when these documents are issued, so you must monitor your mail closely and follow up with any notifications received. 

When completing Form I-765, you must submit a passport photo as part of your application, following the instructions on the ISSS website. You will likely be contacted later about an appointment to have your photo taken at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC), but the photo upload is still part of the initial application.

Once USCIS receives your application, you must monitor your mail for any Requests for Evidence or biometrics scheduling information.

  • If you receive a Request for Evidence from USCIS for any reason, email a copy to intlwork@binghamton.edu.
  • If you receive a notice that you are scheduled for an appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC), you should attend that appointment at the location and time scheduled. Review the notice and this for details on what to expect. USCIS provides limited circumstances in which you can reschedule your appointment. If you are unable to attend your appointment as scheduled, review the link above for details about how to establish and reschedule your appointment.
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence in addition to an ASC Appointment Notice, you should respond to the RFE after completing your biometrics appointment

The information contained on this page is provided by the International Student and Scholar Services as a service solely to the international students at 91ÉçÇø. Utilization of these materials by anyone other than the above-noted intended recipients is strictly prohibited. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this page. As legal advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. Neither 91ÉçÇø nor International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this material, or the results obtained from the use of this information.

Employment after receiving your EAD card

When you are approved for J-2 work authorization, you will receive an EAD card from USCIS. The current processing time for an EAD application is approximately 3-5 months. The EAD card will show the dates that you are eligible to work. You may work part time or full time for any employer during the dates on the card. You may not begin work until you have received the EAD card and are within the dates on the card.

J-2 dependents who are approved for work authorization may apply for a Social Security Number. You will need to apply in person at the Social Security Administration office. See our SSN page for additional information.

USCIS will only grant work authorization up until the end date on your DS-2019. If the J-1 applies for an extension of their DS-2019, you would also need to apply for a new EAD in order to continue working. If you need to renew your J-2 work authorization, you should apply approximately 90 days before the end date of your current EAD. Please be advised that if your current EAD expires, you will need to stop working until you have the new EAD and are within the date on the new card.