How to Apply

J-2 Dependents who wish to apply for work authorization can do so by filing an I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

ISSS recommends the following materials as a general suggestion for your J-2 I-765 application:

• A written statement from the J-2 dependent, with any supporting evidence (a supporting letter from HR-OIS), showing that J-2 employment is not necessary to support the J-1 but is for other purposes (i.e. your earnings will not support the principal J-1). Here is an example letter that includes a helpful statement for requesting that the card be authorized to the end date on your DS-2019.
• Complete Form I-765.
• Check made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You can provide a personal check, cashier's check, or money order. Please check the filing fee here.
• Photocopies of the following documents:
  
  • Photocopies of J-1 and J-2’s DS-2019s
  • Photocopies of passport photo page of J-1 and J-2 passports
  • Photocopies of J-1 and J-2 Visas
  • Printouts or photocopies of J-1 and J-2 I-94s
• 2 passport-style photos

Submitting your Application to USCIS:

The processing time for an I-765 application is typically ~3 months. You can find the direct filing address for a J-2 work authorization application on the USCIS website (navigate to "Foreign Students" and then to the "(c)(5)" category).