• Read the handout on Work Permission for Dependents in J-2 Status – click here.

• Obtain two color photographs on white background. The photographs must be U.S. passport size. See the photo instructions attached to Form I-765, or visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/index.html

• Purchase a money order for $340.00, made payable to the Department of Homeland Security. Money Orders can be purchased at U.S. Post Offices, Publix supermarkets and banks.

• Prepare a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) requesting employment authorization as a J-2 dependent. Include a budget showing your monthly expenses and sources of financial support. Please follow the template included in the handout.

• Bring the following documents to ISSS:

• Passports of J-1 student and J-2 dependent (must be valid for at least another six months).
• Current Forms DS-2019 of J-1 student and J-2 dependent.
• Forms I-94 of J-1 student and J-2 dependent.
• Completed application Form I-765.
• Two color photos on white background conforming to the Form I-765 photo instructions.
• Letter to CIS explaining request for employment authorization, as mentioned above.
• Copy of your marriage certificate (for J-2 spouse of J-1 student) or your birth certificate (for J-2 child of a J-1 student) and English translation if the original is not in English.
• Money order in the amount of $340.00 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.

• Please allow three business days for processing of your request for J-2 employment. Your ISSS advisor will review your application materials and submit the documents for your application for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to CIS. CIS takes at least three to four months to adjudicate an application for an EAD for a J-2 dependent.

• ISSS will notify you once the receipt notice for your EAD application has arrived so that you can collect the receipt notice. The receipt notice includes your application receipt number on the upper left side of the page. To check the status of your application, please go to www.uscis.gov and click on Case Status Online on the left side of the screen. Click on Finding the Status of Your Case and type in your application receipt number to find out the status of your application.

• ISSS will subsequently notify you once the EAD has arrived so that you can collect it and apply for a Social Security Number if you do not have one already. Please note that you cannot begin your employment until you receive your EAD and until the approved employment start date shown on the EAD has arrived. Starting your employment before you receive your EAD and before the approved employment start date shown on the EAD is illegal and a violation of your J-2 status.

• Please e-mail your ISSS advisor if you have any questions regarding work permission for a J-2 dependent.