J-2 Scholar Employment Options

Individuals in the United States in J-2 visa status are eligible to receive employment authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application procedure is outlined below. The J-2 applicant must:

  • Write a brief letter to USCIS requesting authorization to work. This letter must include a statement indicating that the income earned will be used to support the J-2 visa holder (and children if applicable), and will NOT be used to support the J-1 principal. Pursuant to [8 CFR 214.2(j)(1)(v)(A)], the employment should be "used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if this income is needed to support the J-1 principal alien."
  • Complete Form I-765 (NOTE: The code for item #16 is (c)(5)). This form is available in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services.
  • Submit a photocopy of both sides of his/her I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and the J-1 principal's I-94 Arrival/Departure Record as well.
  • Submit a photocopy of both sides of the J-1 principal's Form DS-2019.
  • Submit two photographs. The exact specifications for the photographs are available in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services.
  • Attach a check made payable to USCIS in the amount of $340.

The aforemention documents must be submitted to the Responsible Officer (RO) or the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services. The RO/ARO will review the application materials to ensure that all required documents are included and that they are correctly completed. The ARO/RO will then mail the application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjudication.

Please note that the J-2 can NOT begin work until he/she receives approval from USCIS in the form of a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). Furthermore, the J-2 can NOT work beyond the specific period authorized on the EAD card. To extend work authorization, the J-2 must complete the entire process again.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact a staff member in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.