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Home / Come to MU / Faculty, staff and scholars / J-1 scholars / J-2 work authorization

J-2 work authorization

How to apply

In order for the spouse or child of a J-1 scholar to work in the United States, the following items must be collected, prepared and sent to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by the dependent. These supporting documents must be submitted along with the I-765 application form for J-2 employment authorization applications:

  1. Thai festival.A letter addressed to USCIS (sample) indicating why work authorization is being requested. The letter should clearly state that the money derived from employment will not be used to provide principal support for the J-1 scholar. Employment will not be authorized if the money is needed to support the J-1 scholar. Some reasons a spouse or child might apply for work could include:
    • Making additional money for travel in the U.S.
    • Gaining work experience.
    • Making additional money for family cultural activities.
    • Learning about the American way of life or business through work experience.
  2. Two photographs that meet Department of State specifications. Several Columbia businesses provide passport-type photograph services.
  3. A photocopy of the J-2 dependent's current DS-2019.
  4. A photocopy of both the J-1's and J-2 applicant's passport pages. Only the pages of the passport showing the biographic information, passport number and expiration date need to be copied—not every page.
  5. A photocopy of the J-1 scholar's current DS-2019.
  6. A photocopy of both sides of the J-1's and J-2 applicant's I-94 cards (the white arrival/departure card in the passports).
  7. USCIS form I-765
  8. A personal check in the amount of $380 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.

If you want the International Center to review the application before it is sent, please call 573-882-6007 and make an appointment with an adviser.

Tips for completing USCIS Form I-765

  • Item 3 — Current address: USCIS correspondence will not be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service to a new address. The correspondence (including your approved work authorization document) will be returned to the USCIS if you move. This can significantly delay the process. If you relocate after submitting this form, you must contact the USCIS to give them your new address.
  • Item 10 — Alien registration number or I-94 number: You normally will be issued an alien number, or A number, only if you are extending your work authorization document. In this case, the A number is found in the upper-left corner of the work authorization document. The I-94 number is the 11-digit number located on the left corner of your I-94 form.
  • Item 11 — Have you ever applied for employment authorization from USCIS? Check "yes" if you have received direct USCIS authorization to work and "no" if you have not been previously authorized to work.
  • Item 12 — Date of last entry to U.S.: Enter your most recent entry to the U.S.. It should be listed on your I-94 card.
  • Item 13 — Place of last entry to U.S.: Provide the name of the city where you entered most recently. The stamp is usually on your I-94 card and should read "Admitted to the U.S. ..."
  • Item 14 — Manner of last entry into the U.S.: Describe the purpose for which you came to the U.S. the last time you entered the country. If your last entry was as a J-2, write "J-2 dependent." If you entered in a different visa category and have obtained a change of visa status to J-2 since your last entry, write down your previous status. In this case, you must send a copy of the approval notice to confirm the change (Form I-797A).
  • Item 15 — Current immigration status: Write "J-2 dependent."
  • Item 16 — Eligibility under 8CFR 274a.12: Write (C) (5) ( ). The last set of parentheses is left blank.