Office of International Education

J-2 Employment

J-2 dependents are unique in their ability as dependents to apply for and receive work authorization in the U.S. Most spouses and working-age children of non-immigrants in the U.S. are not allowed to work.

J-2 dependents use a process similar to the procedure for F-1 students who are seeking permission for optional practical training. The J-2 completes Form I-765 and submits it with other required documentation and the $340 fee to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS.) Provided the application is correct and complete, the work authorization (in the form of a “EAD Card” or employment authorization document) will likely be received within 1 to 3 months. The J-2 may not legally begin work until the card has been received.

OIE will advise J-2 dependents in the application process; OIE has helpful instructions available in our office and on our website. The I-765 form and instructions can be downloaded from the USCIS website at http://uscis.gov/. Call OIE for more information.

Updated April 3, 2008