J-2 Work Authorization

• How to apply
  
• Helpful tips for completing USCIS form I-765
  

How to apply

The following items must be collected, prepared, and sent to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) by the J-2 dependent (the spouse or child of a J-1). The following supporting documents must be submitted along with the I-765 application form for J-2 employment authorization applications:

1. A letter addressed to the 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. Employment will not be authorized if the money is needed to support the J-1. Some reasons for applying could be to:
   
   • make additional money for travel in the U.S.
   • gain work experience
   • make additional money for family cultural activities
   • learn the American way of life/business through work experience.
2. Two photographs that meet Department of State specifications. Several Columbia businesses provide passport-type photograph services. Please refer to the yellow pages for the phone number and exact address.
3. A photocopy of the J-2's current DS-2019.
4. A photocopy of both the J-1's and J-2 applicant's passport page(s). Only the page(s) 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's current DS-2019.
6. A photocopy of both sides of both the J-1's and J-2 applicant's I-94 cards (The white arrival/departure card in your passports).
7. USCIS Form I-765 (see helpful tips below)
8. A personal check in the amount of $340 made payable to USCIS.

If you would like our office to look over the application before it is sent, please call 882-6007 and make an appointment with an ISSS advisor.

Once this has been done and all items have been completed, you should mail the forms to the following address:

**Make sure that you photocopy all of the documents that you submit to the INS for your records.**

Helpful Tips for Completing USCIS Form I-765

• Item #3 - Current Address: USCIS correspondence will not be forwarded by the US postal service to a new address. The correspondence (including your approve work authorization document) will be returned to the USCIS if you move. This can significantly delay the process so, 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 have an A# only if you are extending your work authorization document. In this case the A# 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 the INS? 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 US: 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 US: 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 US: Describe the purpose for which you came to the US 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 will need to send a copy of the approval notice to confirm the change (INS 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.