# J-2 Work Authorization

**Source**: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/employment/j2-employment/
**Parent**: https://isss.illinois.edu/students/

The J-2 dependent of an exchange visitor may apply to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for work permission provided that such employment is not needed for the support of the J-1 exchange visitor.

## Reasons to Apply

Some acceptable reasons to apply for J-2 work permission include:

1. To earn extra living expenses for J-2 dependents.
2. To enable the J-2 to obtain professional experience.
3. To enable the J-2 to travel to the United States;.
4. To allow the J-2 to obtain wider social and professional contacts.

As part of your application package, you must write a letter to the USCIS. Please review the [J-2 Work Permission Sample Letter](https://isss.illinois.edu/students/employment/j2-sample-letter/). In your letter, you should mention:

1. The reasons for wanting to work.
2. The source and amount of support for the J-1 exchange visitor. You need to demonstrate that the J-1’s income is sufficient to support himself/herself and provide the basic necessities of the family.
3. Itemize the total monthly income and expenditures of the family in columns.
4. Include the following statement: “Any income derived from my employment will be used for my support and not for that of my (husband/wife/parent).”

## Completing the I-765 (J-2 Dependent)

**Please use the most current version of this document, available on the [USCIS website](https://www.uscis.gov/i-765).**

I-765 Instructions 

**Please follow the [I-765 instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/i-765) provided on the USCIS website, particularly page 15 – 19. For your reference, please see below for general guidelines to assist you.**

You must complete and submit ALL 7 pages with your application.

- **Part 1.**

  - If this is your first time applying, this is considered to be ‘**initial** permission to accept employment’.
- **Part 2.**

  - Provide basic biographical information about yourself. Note: If using a friend or relative’s address, complete *Question #5.a* (In Care of Name).
  - *Question #26* – provide your CURRENT SEVIS number, listed at the top right of your DS-2019. Note: SEVIS number for J-1 and J-2 are different.
  - *Question #27* – **(C)(5)** is the eligibility category for J-2 dependents.
- **Part 3.**

  - **Don’t forget to sign within the ‘Applicant’s Signature’ box.** Signature should not touch or go beyond the space provided.
  - *In general,* Part 4 and Part 5 do not apply unless you are using an interpreter to assist with your application.
- **Part 6.**

  - This section can be used to provide information on previously used SEVIS numbers and to indicate attached files such as previous EAD, approval notice and DS-2019s.
  - **Example: Page 3. Section 2. Number 27.**

    - List previously used SEVIS numbers (if applicable) and indicate “previous J-2 work authorization documents attached.”
- Put ‘N/A’ if a question does not apply to you.

Assemble Documents 

*Send the following documents by certified mail with a return receipt requested or by express/overnight mail (be sure to make photocopies of all documents sent to the USCIS for your records):*

- I-765 filing fee.

  - Please check the [USCIS forms page](https://www.uscis.gov/i-765) to make sure you are using the latest form version and paying the correct fee.
  - I-765 filing fee is payable by personal check, money order OR credit card payment with use of [form G-1450](https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450).

- Two identical immigration-style photos taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765. Photos must have white to off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched. Lightly print your NAME and SEVIS ID on the back of the photos. Place photos in a clear Ziploc-type bag. For more photo guidelines, visit the U.S State department website. ISSS recommends photos be taken professionally/locally to comply with photo regulations.
- Copy of J-1 DS-2019 and J-2 DS-2019.
- Letter showing your budget and requesting work permission.
- Documentation of your finances as shown in the budget in your letter. If your funds come from a personal sponsor, you must include a Form I-134 Affidavit of Support completed by your personal sponsor.
- Photocopies of any previous employment authorization documents (EAD cards) if applicable.
- [Form I-765 Instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/i-765) also state that the applicant must use Form I-765 Part 6., Additional Information, to provide:

  - “All previously used SEVIS numbers”, if applicable
  - Evidence of any previous work authorization.
- Photocopy of J-1 and J-2 Form I-94 (both sides of cardstock I-94 or copy of [electronic Form I-94](https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov) printout).
- Photocopies of the following passport pages for BOTH J-1 and J-2:

  - Passport ID pages: photo page, page with passport validity dates, including renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections, etc.
  - J-1/J-2 visa page (if any).

You may also include the optional form [G-1145 e-Notification of Application](https://www.uscis.gov/g-1145) to receive a confirmation that your application has been received by USCIS. Note: this is NOT your official receipt notice.

**U.S. Postal Service (USPS):**\
USCIS\
Attn: NFB\
P.O. Box 805371\
Chicago, IL 60680-5371\
\
**FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:**\
USCIS\
Attn: NFB (Box 805371)\
131 South Dearborn-3rd Floor\
Chicago, IL 60603-5517

**Please make sure to confirm the filing address is correct before sending your application.** Use the [USCIS.gov lock box filling locations chart](https://www.uscis.gov/uscis-lockbox-filing-locations-chart).

### Important Notes

1. You will receive an Employment Authorization Document from USCIS. This is your J-2 work permission. **You may not begin employment until you receive your EAD and the date listed on your EAD card has arrived**.
2. If you have general questions while filling out your application, please [contact us](mailto:isss@illinois.edu) for more information.

   - *ISSS **cannot** review the entire application for accuracy before it is mailed in to USCIS. This is the responsibility of the J-2 applicant.*
3. It is very important that you use a mailing address that will be current some time into the future when you make your application for J-2 work permission. Correspondence from USCIS cannot be forwarded.