J-2 Dependents
Procedures to apply for work authorization
Those in J-2 status may work in the U.S., but must apply to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for authorization before beginning employment. There is a fee of $340.00 and it will take approximately 90 days to receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). See procedures below:
Anyone in J-2 status may submit an application to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for employment authorization. Any income earned from this employment is not to be used to support the J-1 principal alien. However, the J-2's income may be used for health insurance, recreational or cultural activities, travel, etc. of the other family members. Financial need is not a criterion for J-2 employment authorization. If employment is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) that will be valid for full- or part-time employment, for 12 months or until the expiration date of the J-1's DS-2019. The employment authorization is only valid if the J-1 principal is maintaining status. J-2s are subject to Social Security taxes, federal income taxes, and where applicable, state income taxes.
Items needed for the application:
- Form I-765
- Fee of $340.00; check or money order made payable to "CIS"
- Copy of the current DS/2019 of the J-1 and J-2
- Letter from applicant indicating that employment is desired and that "any income earned will not be used to support the J-1 principal".
- Two color photos. Photos can be obtained at the Copy Center in Gaskill Hall (9-6065), or anywhere you wish (you can also get photos at the photo booth at First Run Restaurant). If you go to Gaskill Hall, tell the Copy Center staff that you need a regular-sized Passport photo. Full-faced photo with you facing the camera. You can cut the photo to the required 1½ inches by 1½ inches, but wait at least one hour before cutting.
- Copy of both sides of the I-94 of J-1 and J-2
After you get all the above items together, contact Molly Heidemann and she will make sure everything is complete and ready for mailing. Two to three weeks after you mail the application, you will receive a notice from CIS with an "LIN" number (case number), and verifying that they have received your application. It is important that you keep this notice for your records! CIS processing time for the EAD is approximately 90-120 days.
All items should be mailed to this address:
Nebraska Service Center
850 "S" Street
P.O. Box 87765
Lincoln NE 68501 -7765
To check the status of your application, go to the website below and type in your LIN # https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
For information and application, contact Molly Heidemann.
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