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J-2 Employment Authorization

After arrival in the U.S., dependents of J-1 exchange visitors (J-2s) are eligible to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for permission to work in the United States.

To apply for J-2 employment authorization, you must file an application by mail with the USCIS.  An application for J-2 employment authorization includes the following:

• Completed I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

• PHOTOCOPIES of the following:

  the picture page and U.S. visa stamp page in the J-2's passport

  the J-2's DS-2019 (if there is more than one, send copies of all IAP-66/DS-2019s)

  the J-2's I-94 (small, white card stapled into your passport), front and back (even if the back side is blank)

  the J-1’s I-94, front and back

  the  J-1’s DS-2019 (if there is more than one, send copies of all IAP-66/DS-2019s)

  your marriage certificate, accompanied by an English translation if necessary

• $340 check or money order made payable to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

      ●   A letter requesting work authorization specifically stating that income from your earning will not be used for the J-1's support and documenting that the J-1 has sufficient resources for his or her own expenses and will not be dependent on your earnings. Give reasons for wanting to work and indicate the source and amount of support of the J-1. Also include a budget or a statement of expenses (sample letter below).

• Two (2) identical color passport-style photographs of yourself, taken within 30 days of the application.

The photos must be a full frontal face position and meet the specifications for full frontal/passport photos.  For more information on photo standard, visit the Department of State website or contact the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283. Lightly print your name on the back of each photo, using a pencil.

Photos must conform to the above specifications.  While we do not recommend a particular photographer, convenient locations to obtain photos include:

• Image Photo, 42 Witherspoon Street, 921-6644

• Pryde Brown Photographers, 180 Nassau Street, 924-9792

• Princeton Photo Lab, 126 Nassau Street, 683-1211 

If you would like to have your J-2 Employment Authorization Application reviewed by the Office of Visa Services before submitting it to the USCIS, you may make an appointment with:

• Mladenka Tomasevic, International Graduate Student Advisor,

• Mary Idzior, Director of Visa Services, 

You should make a copy of your complete application for your personal records before submitting it to USCIS.

It is recommended that you mail your application to the USCIS by certified mail, return receipt requested or by express mail/courier service that will confirm delivery. The application should be mailed/sent to:

Processing time is estimated to be 6-8 weeks (processing times at the USCIS frequently vary and may be 12 weeks or more).  Be sure to allow ample time for processing, especially if you are planning to begin employment on a specified date.  You cannot begin employment until after you have received your employment authorization from the USCIS.

If your application is approved, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be mailed to you at the address listed in item #3 of the I-765.  The EAD is an identification card laminated in plastic, with your photograph indicating the period of time for which you have been given employment authorization.  When you begin to work, your employer will ask you to complete a Form I-9 and to present proof of identity and employment authorization.  Your EAD is accepted proof of both your identity and your authorization to work.

Please note:

• If employment is authorized, you may work part-time or full-time at any job for any employer.  You do not need to have a job to apply for J-2 employment authorization.  J-2 foreign medical graduates who will be working as physicians should check with their future employer as to whether or not J-2 status is acceptable for employment with them.

• USCIS normally authorizes J-2 employment in one-year increments or for as long as the J-1 has permission to remain in the U.S. whichever is shorter.  To apply for an extension of J-2 employment authorization, follow the same procedure as an initial application.  Be sure to apply in a timely fashion (at least 12 weeks before the current expiration date) to avoid interruptions in work authorization.  Applications may only be made for the time period for which the underlying J-1 status is valid.

• Once you have received employment authorization, you may apply for a U.S. Social Security number.  You must apply in person at a Social Security office.  You must take your passport, your I-94, a copy of your spouse’s DS-2019 and your EAD with you when you apply.

• The income you earn as a J-2 is subject to applicable federal, state and local income taxes and Social Security taxes.  Your tax situation may or may not be the same as your J-1 spouse.  Employers are required by law to withhold applicable taxes from your paycheck.  If you have earnings, you must file an annual income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to determine whether you owe more taxes or if you have a refund coming.  The filing deadline is April 15 of the year following the year in which you earned income.

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Sample Letter to Accompany Application for J-2 Employment Authorization

Date:

Dear Sir or Madam:

I would like to apply for J-2 employment authorization.

My spouse is currently a ____________(i.e., graduate student, research associate, visiting fellow, visiting research fellow, etc.) in the Department of __________at Princeton University. As indicated on his/her DS-2019, he/she earns $_____ per month.

Our monthly budget is as follows:

As this budget shows, my spouse earns enough money to support him/herself and to cover our day-to-day expenses.  However, there is little left for additional or extra costs.

While in the United States, I would like to….

(list some items for which your earnings might be used):

• travel to tourist sites in the U.S. and Canada,

• take an English course,

• pursue further studies in _____,

• send your children to music lessons, etc.

OR

(list some reasons why you wish to work): 

• make use of my training as a _____,

• maintain my skills as a _______,

• take advantage of an offer to work as _______, etc.

Our ability to do this will require that I work to earn money for these additional expenses.  None of my earnings will be used to support my J-1 spouse.  Therefore, I hope that you will approve my request.

Sincerely,

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