An extension application is the same process as an initial application. You must send the following documents to the Department of Homeland Security:
- Form I-765: Download the I-765 form. Individuals applying for J-2 work permission need to complete the I-765. The answer to #27 in the I-765 form is “(C)(5) Spouse/dependent of J-1 exchange visitor”. J-2 dependents for this purpose are under the grouping called “Foreign Students”. Do not re-use a previous form; only the current version is accepted.
- Statement of Request for J-2 Work Permission: Download the template letter. The J-1 primary visa holder must have enough money to meet both the J-1 and J-2 living expenses. DHS will only grant J-2 work permission for the purpose of “supporting the family’s customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things.” [8 CFR 214.2 (j)(v)]
- Fee to the Department of Homeland Security: $520 filed by paper application with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card. If you pay by check, the check must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” To pay by credit card, use Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. Note that online filing of form I-765 is not yet available for J-2 visa holders.
- Photocopies of most recent DS-2019s of both the J-1 and J-2: J-2 work permission is valid only if both the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the J-1’s DS-2019 are current. Ensure that both documents are valid. If you are asking for an extension of your J-2 work permission, you may need to first extend your DS-2019. Work permission will not be extended past the expiration date of the J-1’s DS-2019. However, your work permission does not necessarily expire on the same date as the J-1’s DS-2019; your work permission may expire earlier.
- Print-outs of I-94 information for both the J-1 and J-2: I-94 information can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
- Photocopy of current EAD Card, if asking for an extension of J-2 work permission
- Photocopy of J-2’s name page in passport
- Photocopy of J-2’s visa stamp in passport (not applicable for Canadians)
- Two identical color photographs of yourself taken within the last 30 days: The UMN Passport Office located at 331 17th Ave SE is open by appointment Monday–Friday. This location is well-priced and they know the exact photo requirements.
J-2s living in Minnesota can send their applications to USCIS (DHS) Phoenix Lockbox. Before sending, verify the mailing address:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: NFB
P.O. Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036-1281
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: NFB (Box 21281)
2108 E. Elliot Rd.
Tempe, AZ 85284-1806
J-2s living in a state other than Minnesota should check the I-765 filing locations site. Note that failure to file forms with the correct office or with the correct fee may result in your application or petition being returned to you and additional delays in processing.
E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or a text message that USCIS has accepted your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the first page of your form.
The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued upon approval and will be mailed to the address you provided on the application form. Be sure your name is on that mailbox. Current J-2 applicants have conveyed to ISSS that issuance takes 2-3 months. There is no Premium Processing currently available for J-2 work authorization. Only after receiving an EAD can the J-2 visa holder apply for a Social Security Number.
