J-2 Dependent Spouses Work Permissions
J-2 dependent spouses are eligible to apply for employment authorization by submitting an application to . If the income needed to support the J-1 exchange visitor, USCIS will not authorize employment permission. The money earned by a J-2 spouse may be for J-2 travel, recreational, or cultural activities.
Eligibility
- J-1 and J-2 are currently maintaining legal status.
- J-2 is currently in the U.S. and will remain in the U.S. until the employment authorization is approved.
- Confirmation that J-2 employment authorization will not be used to support the J-1 ()
- Must file employment authorization application in paper form by mail; J-2s are not eligible to file their application online.
Application checklist
Important: USCIS does not accept applications for J-2 work permission online. To request this work authorization, you must follow the instructions below to prepare and mail a hard copy application to USCIS.
When applying for J-2 work permission, the J-2聽visa聽holder must provide:
- 颁辞尘辫濒别迟别诲听 signed in black ink by the J-2 visa holder.聽.
- Copy of the .
- Copy of the .
- Photocopies of both the J-1’s and the J-2’s most recent Forms DS-2019.
- Photocopies of the personal data (photo) page of the J-1’s and J-2’s passports.
- Photocopies of most recent U.S. visas in the J-1’s and the J-2’s passports (not applicable to Canadian citizens).
- Refer to the聽 to confirm fee information.
- 础听 requesting J-2 work authorization.
- Proof of marriage to the J-1 visa holder (e.g. marriage license); if the proof of marriage is not written in English, a translation to English must be provided.
- Two U.S. passport-sized photographs聽.
- Photocopy of the J-2’s previous EAD (if this is an extension application).*
Extension of J-2 work permission
Extension of the EAD card is possible, up to the end date of the J-1 principle’s form DS-2019. Please note that the extension process can also take an extended period of time to adjudicate, so plan ahead if you want your employment to be continuous (without any gaps between work authorization periods).
Social Security Number (SSN) and taxes
In order to apply for a SSN you will need to apply separately with the Social Security Administration (SSA). . Once you submit the online request, you will receive an O receipt number. It is highly recommended that you screenshot the O receipt number to provide to the SSA representative when you have your in person appointment. You must schedule an appointment in person to bring your original documentation within 45 calendar days of applying. . You will need to present your passport, most recent , Form DS-2019, and EAD to show work authorization.
Earnings of J-2 visa holders are subject to U.S. Social Security taxes, as well as federal and state income taxes. See IRS Publication 519, “United States Tax Guide for Aliens,” available from .
Other dependent visa category?
Most other dependent visa categories are not allowed to work. Reference full details on our Dependent Permissions and Activities page.