J-2 Dependent Spouses Work Permissions

J-2 dependent spouses are eligible to apply for employment authorization by submitting an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the income needed to support the J-1 exchange visitor, USCIS will not authorize employment permission. The money earned by a J-2 spouse may be for J-2 travel, recreational, or cultural activities.

Important: USCIS does not accept applications for J-2 work permission online. To request this work authorization, you must follow the instructions below to prepare and mail a hard copy application to USCIS.

When applying for J-2 work permission, the J-2 visa holder must provide:

• Completed Form I-765 signed in black ink by the J-2 visa holder. View instructions for completing Form I-765.
• Copy of the J-2’s I-94 print out.
• Copy of the J-1’s I-94 print out.
• Photocopies of both the J-1’s and the J-2’s most recent Forms DS-2019.
• Photocopies of the personal data (photo) page of the J-1’s and J-2’s passports.
• Photocopies of most recent U.S. visas in the J-1’s and the J-2’s passports (not applicable to Canadian citizens).
• Refer to the USCIS website to confirm fee information.
• A written statement requesting J-2 work authorization.
• Proof of marriage to the J-1 visa holder (e.g. marriage license); if the proof of marriage is not written in English, a translation to English must be provided.
• Two U.S. passport-sized photographs with photograph specifications.
• Photocopy of the J-2’s previous EAD (if this is an extension application).*

Extension of J-2 work permission

Extension of the EAD card is possible, up to the end date of the J-1 principle’s form DS-2019. Please note that the extension process can also take an extended period of time to adjudicate, so plan ahead if you want your employment to be continuous (without any gaps between work authorization periods).