International Services

• About OIS

  • Hours and Location
  • Mission and Goals
  • Organizational Chart
  • Meet our Staff
  • Emergency Contact Information
  • Contact Us

• International Center

  • Programs & Events
  • IC History
  • Student Groups
  • Bloomington Worldwide Friendship

• Student & Scholar Advising

  • Students

    • F-1 Students
    • J-1 Students
    • Orientation

  • Faculty, Staff, & Visitors

    • J-1 Scholars
    • H-1B Employees
    • Permanent Residence
    • Short-term Visitors
  • Living in the U.S.
• Site Map

• Indiana University

  • About IU
  • Bloomington
  • Indianapolis
  • East
  • Fort Wayne
  • Kokomo
  • Northwest
  • South Bend
  • Southeast

 Login  Prepaid Long Distance  Campus Map  Statistical Reports  Donate to OIS  iOffice 2.0

⇒ Student & Scholar Adivising ⇒ Faculty, Staff, & Visitors ⇒ J-1 Scholars ⇒ J-2 Procedure for Work Authorization

J-2 Procedure for Work Authorization

US Immigration regulation grants those who are in J-2 status the opportunity to apply for work authorization.  To receive this work authorization, those in J-2 status must apply directly to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).  J-2 status holders who have been granted work permission from the DHS will receive a card, known as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).  The work authorization will be valid for 12 months or until the expiration of the DS-2019, whichever is sooner.  One cannot begin work, either on-campus or off-campus, until one receives the EAD.

After receipt of the EAD, the J-2 can apply for a Social Security Number.  Information is available here.

The following is required for the EAD application and should be assembled in the order listed.  You will then mail this to the DHS:

1. A US$340.00 check or money order payable to “DHS” (fee effective July 30, 2007)
2. A completed form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
3. Two passport style photographs with the J-2’s name and date of birth printed in pencil on the back.
4. Photocopy of the J-1’s and J-2’s DS-2019
5. Photocopy of the J-1 and J-2’s I-94 cards, both sides
6. Copy of the J-2’s name page and photo page of passport

7. Personal statement.  The statement must be signed and dated and must state:

   1. The reason you wish to work.
   2. That the J-1 has adequate funds to cover his/her studies and living expenses.
   3. That any income that you earn will not be used to support the J-1.
8. Copy of any past EAD card(s)

Mail your application to:

USCIS Nebraska Service Center
850 “S” Street
P.O. Box 87765
Lincoln, NE  68501-7765

Tel.: 1-800-375-5283

A few tips for your application:

• Keep a photocopy of your application.
• You may bring your application to us for review before you mail it.
• If you already have a job offer, you can include a job offer letter with your application.  It may help expedite the processing of your application.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does the process take?

   It takes CIS about three months to process these applications.  About three weeks after CIS receives your application, they will send you a Receipt Notice.  This is an official notice that they have received your application and are working on it.  On the Receipt Notice there is a Receipt Number (like a tracking number for your application) and Receipt Date (the date CIS received your application).  About three months from the Receipt Date you should receive your EAD.  Remember, you must wait until you receive the EAD (card) to begin work.

2. What if CIS takes longer than three months to approve my application?

   If 90 days have passed since CIS received your application and you still haven’t received a card, you may apply for a temporary card at the CIS office in Indianapolis.  You must first make an appointment at the CIS office in Indianapolis by visiting the USCIS website. OIS can provide you with an application packet for the temporary card.  It does not cost anything to obtain the temporary card and they are generally granted within a few hours.

3. Do I have to have a Social Security Number to apply for the EAD?

   No, in fact as a J-2 you cannot obtain a Social Security Number until you have received your EAD.  When you receive your EAD, go to the Social Security Administration office with your passport, I-94, DS-2019, and EAD and apply for a Social Security Number.

4. Do I have to have a job offer to apply for J-2 work authorization?

   No, J-2 work authorization is an open work authorization.  You may work full or part-time, for as many employers as you like.  Your employer does not need to sponsor you for this work authorization; however, if he/she provides a job offer letter, it may expedite (speed up) the processing of your application.

5. If I already have J-2 work authorization but it is expiring, what should I do?

   You need to apply for it again as you did the first time.  You will also need to include a photocopy of your current EAD (front and back) and should include an employment letter if you will continue your current employment.  Note: You should apply approximately four months prior to the expiration of your current EAD to ensure that your new card arrives in time to allow you to continuously work.  Once the current work authorization (EAD) expires, you can’t work until you receive the new one.

6. My DS-2019 will expire this year and the J-1 is planning to extend it, how does this affect me?

   If possible, you should wait to apply for work authorization until the DS-2019 has been extended.  The reason for that is that CIS will grant your work authorization for a maximum of 12 months or until the expiration of your DS-2019, whichever is sooner (i.e. if your DS-2019 expires in seven months, CIS will give you work authorization that expires in seven months).

7. How many times can I renew my work authorization?

   You may renew your work authorization as long as you are in J-2 status.  There is no limit to the number of applications/renewals that you can make.