Employment for J-2 Dependents
J-2 dependents may apply to Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) for authorization to work. Applications are made with form I-765, a fee of $380, photos, copies of all DS-2019s and a letter indicating why the employment is needed – usually by showing a budget and indicating that the income will not be used by the J-1 principal or in support of the J-1. J-2 dependents may not legally work to support the J-1 scholar or researcher.
You may download information, the I-765 form and instructions from the CIS website.
If permission to work is granted, the J-2 can work part- or full-time for any employer with the exception of practicing medicine (even if s/he has a license). There is no legal limit to the amount the J-2 can earn and all earnings of J-2 dependents are subject to federal, state, and local taxes. Unlike the J-1 principal, J-2s are immediately subject to social security and Medicare taxes. J-2 employment can be authorized for as long as the J-1 holder has permission to stay or for four years, whichever is shorter. Permission to stay expires on the date shown on the DS-2019 form.
Please come to the ISS Office for an application packet for J-2 Work permission. If the J-2 dependent plans to work on campus, an OSU Work Permit must be issued by the Office of International Students and Scholars.