J-2 work permission
Immigration & Visas
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F-type visa information
- 17-Month STEM OPT Extension Request Form
- Termination of Employment Report
- OPT & 17 Month STEM Extension 6 Month Validation Report
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- 17-month OPT Extension as of 5/1/08
- OPT Changes - 4/23/2008
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- J-type visa information
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- Immigration resources / links
- Checking in with ISSS
- What is SEVIS?
- Maintaining your legal status
- How to get a Social Security Number
The USCIS Department of Homeland Security may authorize J-2 work permission, provided the income from such employment will be "used to support the family's recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if the income is needed to support the principal J-1 alien."
How to apply for J-2 work permission
- The J-2 spouse must write a letter to USCIS stating his or her reasons for requesting employment. The letter should indicate the sources and amount of support provided by the J-1. If you are unsure of what to say in your letter, draft a letter and ask an ISSS advisor to review it and help you with any changes.
- Complete and submit Form I-765.
- Submit a $340.00 check or money order, made payable to the Department of Homeland Security or US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Provide two photos of the J-2.
- Provide a photocopy of both sides of Form I-94 for both the J-1 and J-2.
- Provide a photocopy of Form DS-2019 for both the J-1 and J-2.
- Provide a photocopy of both sides of any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards.
- Provide a photocopy of the information pages inside the J-1's and J-2's passport.
- Provide a copy of the J-1 and J-2 visa stamp page.
When you have all of these documents, make an appointment to see an ISSS advisor. The ISSS Office will:
- Review and make any suggestions on the completed application.
- Recommend that you keep a copy of everything in your work application.
- Recommend that you wait at least three (3) months after your arrival into the United States to apply for a J-2 work permission.
- Keep a copy of your entire application on file in the J-1's folder.
Once the ISSS Office has reviewed the J-2 work application, they will submit it to USCIS. Immigration will review the application and make a decision regarding your work permission as a J-2. If the decision is favorable, they will send you an EAD card, which gives you permission to work.
However, it is possible that your application may be denied for the following reasons:
- Your work will help support the J-1.
- Your work is to support family members in another country.
Please note that J-2 employment is given for one year at a time. Income earned by the J-2 is subject to Social Security, federal, and state taxes.