J2 EAD Application Process: Requirements, Cover Letter, Documents for Extension/Renewal and Processing Time
Updated: Dec 25, 2023
J2 EAD (Employment Authorization Document) allows dependents of J1 visa holders to work in the US. J2 EAD extension/ renewal is possible, up to the end date of DS-2019. The J2 EAD process takes an average of 3-6 months. To apply for a J2 EAD card, you must file a paper application by mail with the USCIS. J-2 visitors are not eligible for online filing of the I-765.
My spouse was on a J-2 visa, and we applied for his J2 EAD application (Employment Authorization Documents) followed by subsequent extensions/renewals. In this blog, I am going to cover everything you need to know about the J2 EAD application process, starting from the cover letter for J2 EAD, document requirements, validity, processing time, and premium processing service.
Table of Contents: J2 EAD Application
J2 EAD Cover Letter
This letter serves as the cover page for your J2 EAD application. While a cover letter is not mandatory for J2 EAD applications, including one can improve the chances of application approval. Feel free to customize the following template for a new J2 EAD application or renewal.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date, Month, Year]
United States Citizenship and Immigration Service
RE: Request for J2 Employment Authorization Document [Extension]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request an [extension/ a new application] for my J2 work authorization. My name is [Your Name], and I currently reside in the United States under J-2 status, accompanying my spouse, [J1 Visa Holder Name], who is a postdoctoral researcher at the [University of California, Riverside (SEVIS No. _________)].
I wish to [start/ continue] my employment to gain experience in the American workplace culture. The income generated will be utilized for pursuing my career interests, such as [part-time master's classes and other recreational/cultural activities], and not for supporting my spouse.
My spouse's annual income of $_____ is sufficient to cover our day-to-day expenses. I kindly request your consideration in granting me [an extension of] work authorization. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Enclosed are all the required documents to support my J2 EAD application:
Filing fee check, photographs & I-765 application
Copy of I-797A approval notice
Copy of the latest I-94
Copy of DS-2019
Copy of all pages of passport and visa
Copy of DS-2019, last 3 months pay stubs (primary J1 visa holder)
Copy of I-94, passport, and visa (primary J1 visa holder)
Marriage certificate
J2 EAD Processing Time
The J2 EAD application process typically takes an average of 3-6 months. If you plan to renew your J2 EAD, it's advisable to apply for the extension well in advance. J2 EAD renewals can be submitted up to 6 months before the expiry date.
In our experience, the initial J2 EAD application and its three renewals each took an average of 3-4 months to process. It's important to note that processing times can vary between different cases and service centers.
In our case, all applications were processed at the USCIS Potomac Service Center. While it's challenging to predict exact processing times, our experience may provide you with a general idea.
J2 EAD Validity
The validity of the J2 EAD aligns with the expiration date on the DS-2019 form. When you receive a new DS-2019, you become eligible to apply for the renewal of your J2 EAD.
As previously noted, the renewal process can be initiated at least 6 months before the current EAD's expiration, assuming that your DS-2019 has been updated. In our situation, we consistently received one-year J2 EADs and submitted the extension application annually.
J2 EAD Renewal Documents or New Application
Here are the documents needed for the J2 EAD application, whether you are filing a new application or applying for renewal, you would need the following documents from the J2 visa holder. You would be filing a J2 EAD application under (c)(5) category - Spouse/dependent of J-1 exchange visitor on the I-765 form.
Completed I-765 application form: You can download the instructions and the latest form from the USCIS website
G-1145 form: (Optional) to receive electronic notice from USCIS
Copy of I-94 form
Copy of passport pages front and back
Copy of visa stamps
Copy of all DS-2019
(In case of EAD renewal) Copy of previously issued EAD cards
A check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ($410). This fee is subject to change, please refer to the USCIS website for any updates.
Two passport-size color photos: Include two passport-size color photos with your EAD application. Place the photos in an envelope labeled "Photos". On the back of each photo, lightly print your name and A-Number (if applicable) using a pencil.
Cover letter (optional)
Copy of marriage certificate (with certification of translation if not in English)
J1 Visa Holder's Documents for J2 EAD
Copy of all DS-2019
Copy of passport pages front and back
Copy of all visa stamps
Copy of I-94 form
Last 3 months' pay stubs
J2 EAD Sample Check
I am attaching a sample check so that you can verify it. The J2 EAD application fee is $410 and your check should be payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". Don't forget to date and sign it. At the back of the check (optional), you can mention the applicant's I-94 number with a light pencil.
J2 EAD Premium Processing
Premium processing is not available for J2 EAD applications. Only certain categories of F1 visa holders can apply for premium processing for the I-765 form. You can read about this in detail here.
Related: How to apply for premium processing?
J2 EAD Filing Address
Please consult the USCIS website to find the appropriate filing address for your J2 EAD application. The website will provide location-specific details for sending all the required documents. For overnight or courier delivery, FedEx has been our preferred choice, but you can choose a service that suits your convenience.
To organize the documents, we recommend using file binders with tabs, labeled and numbered as mentioned in my other post. This organization makes it easy for the officer to review all the documents efficiently. Arrange the documents following the structure outlined in the sample cover letter.
When attaching the check, use a paper clip and affix it to a blank page. Similarly, place the photos in a small envelope and attach them with a paper clip to a blank page. Avoid using a stapler. This method helps keep your application organized and facilitates a smoother review process.
J2 EAD Status Check
Upon receiving your case, USCIS will issue a receipt notice (Form I-797C) containing a unique receipt number. This number allows you to check your case status online. You can visit the USCIS website to track your case using this link.
Please don't hesitate to post any questions in the comment section, and I will do my best to provide helpful answers. Best of luck!
FAQs on J2 EAD
What is the J-2 category for EAD application?
J-2 visa holders, who are dependents of J-1 visa holders, can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) under category (c)(5).
Do I need any sponsorship to apply for J2 EAD?
No, you don't need any form of sponsorship for the EAD application. You can file for a J2 EAD card as long as you are a dependent of a J-1 visa holder and possess a valid DS-2019.
Can J-2 work without EAD?
No, a J2 visa holder needs a physical EAD card to begin working.
Next: J1 Waiver Process
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