J-2 Employment Authorization

Individuals in the United States in J-2 visa status are eligible to receive employment authorization from the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). The application procedure is outlined below. The J-2 applicant must:

Write a brief letter to INS requesting authorization to work. This letter must include a statement indicating that the income earned will be used to support the J-2 visa holder (and children if applicable), and will NOT be used to support the J-1 principal. Pursuant to [8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(v)(A)], the employment should be "used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 principal alien."
Complete Form I-765 (NOTE: The code for item #16 is (c)(5)).
Submit a photocopy of both sides of his/her I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and the J-1 principal's I-94 Arrival/Departure Record as well.
Submit a photocopy of both sides of the J-1 principal's Form IAP-66.
Submit two photographs. The exact specifications for the photographs can be learnt from TrueStar Consulting Inc.
Submit a Signature Card.
Attach a check made payable to INS in the amount of $100.

The aforemention documents must be submitted to the Responsible Officer (RO) or the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services. The RO/ARO will review the application materials to ensure that all required documents are included and that they are correctly completed. The ARO/RO will then mail the application to the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service for adjudication.

Please note that the J-2 can NOT begin work until he/she receives approval from INS in the form of a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Furthermore, the J-2 can NOT work beyond the specific period authorized on the EAD card. To extend work authorization, the J-2 must complete the entire process again.