What you need to know about J-2 EAD
Eligibility Requirements
- You are in valid J-2 status as spouse or child of a J-1 exchange visitor
- You are physically present in the United States
- Your J-1 spouse/parent has a valid DS-2019
- Income will NOT be used to support the J-1 principal
- You have maintained valid J-2 status
What J-2 EAD Allows
- Work for any U.S. employer without restrictions
- Work full-time or part-time
- Change jobs freely
- Pursue your own career or professional interests
- EAD validity matches your DS-2019 end date
- Renewable with J-1 program extensions
How to get your J-2 EAD with Immiva
- 1
Verify Your Eligibility
Confirm you're in valid J-2 status and that your J-1 spouse or parent has a current DS-2019.
- 2
Complete Form I-765
Our guided system walks you through every question, auto-fills eligibility category C5, and ensures your application is complete.
- 3
Write Your Statement
We help you draft the required statement explaining that the income is not needed to support the J-1 principal.
- 4
Gather Supporting Documents
Get a personalized checklist including your DS-2019, passport, I-94, marriage certificate, and J-1's documents.
- 5
Review & Download
Review your completed application, pay once satisfied, and download print-ready PDFs formatted to USCIS specifications.
- 6
Receive Your EAD Card
Once approved, USCIS mails your EAD card via Priority Mail. You can begin working only after receiving the physical card.
Required Documents
- Copy of your current DS-2019 (J-2)
- Copy of J-1 principal's current DS-2019
- Copy of your passport (ID pages and J-2 visa stamp)
- Copy of your I-94 arrival/departure record
- Two passport-style photos (2x2 inches)
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Statement explaining purpose of employment
Processing Times
- Average processing: 3–5 months
- Receipt notice arrives in 2–4 weeks
- Card produced within 2 weeks of approval
- EAD validity matches DS-2019 end date
- Longer DS-2019 = longer EAD validity
- Processing varies by service center
Filing Fees
- USCIS fee: $520
- Immiva preparation: $49
- Fee waiver may be available → Learn more
What you get with Immiva
- I-765Application for Employment AuthorizationThe official application to request work authorization as a J-2 dependent
- G-1145E-Notification of Application AcceptanceOpt in to receive email and text alerts when USCIS accepts your application
- G-1450Authorization for Credit Card TransactionsPay the USCIS filing fee by credit or debit card
- G-1650Authorization for ACH TransactionsPay the USCIS filing fee directly from your U.S. bank account
- Filing ChecklistPersonalized Document ChecklistComplete list of supporting documents needed, sample employment statement, and where to mail your application
Common mistakes that lead to J-2 EAD denial
USCIS routinely approves J-2 EAD applications, but errors can cause delays or denials. The most critical requirement: your income cannot be used to support the J-1 principal.
- Stating income will support the J-1 exchange visitor
- Missing the required employment statement letter
- Using an outdated form edition or incorrect fee
- Not including the J-1's DS-2019 with your application
- Incorrect eligibility category (must be C5)
- Photos not meeting USCIS specifications
- Failing to include marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Applying while outside the United States
- Not responding to Requests for Evidence (RFE) on time
Why J-2 dependents choose Immiva
Auto-fills eligibility category C5 and required fields Generates compliant employment statement letter Personalized document checklist based on your situation Real-time validation catches errors before you file Coordinates with J-1's DS-2019 extension for longer EAD validity Print-ready PDFs formatted exactly to USCIS specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
You must be in valid J-2 status as the spouse or dependent child of a J-1 exchange visitor. You must be physically present in the United States and your J-1 spouse or parent must have a valid DS-2019. Both J-2 spouses and J-2 children (including those over 21) can apply for EAD.
No. This is a critical requirement. J-2 employment authorization is intended for your own personal or professional interests, recreational activities, and cultural experiences — not to support the J-1 principal's living expenses. Your application must include a statement confirming this.
The USCIS filing fee is $520. Immiva's preparation service is $49. As of October 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks — you must pay by credit/debit card (Form G-1450) or ACH bank transfer (Form G-1650).
USCIS typically processes J-2 EAD applications in 3–5 months, though times vary by service center. You'll receive a receipt notice within 2–4 weeks of filing. You cannot begin working until you receive the physical EAD card.
Your J-2 EAD validity matches the end date on your DS-2019. If your J-1 spouse's DS-2019 is valid for 2 years, your EAD will be valid for 2 years. To maximize your EAD validity, ask the J-1's sponsor to extend the DS-2019 as far as possible before you apply.
You must include a letter explaining that you're requesting work permission for purposes other than supporting the J-1 principal — such as career advancement, cultural enrichment, or recreational and travel expenses. Immiva provides a compliant template you can customize.
C5 is the USCIS category code for J-2 dependent employment authorization. When filling out Form I-765, you must enter 'c' and '5' in Question 27. In Question 25, write 'J-2 Dependent'. Immiva automatically fills these for you.
Yes. J-2 EAD provides unrestricted employment authorization. You can work for any employer, full-time or part-time, change jobs freely, and even start your own business. You don't need employer sponsorship.
As of April 2025, USCIS paused automatic SSN issuance through Form I-765. After receiving your EAD card, you'll need to apply separately with the Social Security Administration. Visit your local SSA office with your EAD card, passport, DS-2019, and I-94.
If the J-1's DS-2019 is extended, you'll need to apply for a new J-2 EAD. File your renewal application up to 180 days before your current EAD expires. Include a copy of your previous EAD with your renewal application.
Premium processing is available for change of status applications to J-2, but not for standalone I-765 EAD applications. If you're changing status to J-2 while applying for EAD, the premium processing option may help with the I-539 portion.
No. J-2 EAD is one of the more straightforward applications, and most applicants file successfully without an attorney. Immiva guides you through every question and provides a compliant employment statement template for $49 — compared to $500–$1,500 for a lawyer.