Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. When you begin work, your employer will ask you to complete Form I-9, which requires you to document your employment authorization. Your employment authorization document (EAD) is acceptable proof of both your identity and your permission to work.
Social Security Number. Your employer will need your Social Security number, which you can obtain by applying for a Social Security card. Take your passport, your I-94 Departure Record, a copy of the J-1’s Form DS-2019, your DS-2019, and your EAD to an office of the Social Security Administration You cannot apply for a Social Security number until you obtain your EAD.
U.S. Income Tax Withholding. The earnings of J-2 dependents are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes and U.S. Social Security and unemployment tax withholding. Employers are required by law to withhold taxes and social security payments from your paychecks.
U.S. Income Tax Filing. By April 15 each year, you must file an income tax return (Form 1040NR) with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The return determines if you owe additional taxes or if you are entitled to a refund. IRS Publication 519, “US Tax Guide for Aliens” gives extension and detailed instructions about filing your income tax return.
Extending Employment Authorization. You can only apply for a new EAD if the J-1’s DS-2019 has been extended and/or if the EAD end date is shorter than the DS-2019 end date. The J-2 can apply for a new EAD authorization up to 180 days before the current EAD expires. The J-1 should work with their department 5-6 months prior to the DS-2019 end date to extend the program. After reapplying, it may take 3-5 months to receive the new EAD.
Sample Statement
Your Name
Your Address
Your Phone or Email
Date
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to apply for J-2 dependent work authorization, as allowed by the federal regulations. My J-1 spouse, (list J-1 Name), receives a monthly payment in the amount of ($ amount) from (specify source). Our monthly expenses are:
Item | Cost |
Rent and Utilities | ($ amount) |
Food | ($ amount) |
Medical Expenses (including Health Insurance) | ($ amount) |
Miscellaneous (clothing, transportation, recreation, and other items that apply) | ($ amount) |
Childcare (if applicable) | ($ amount) |
Total Expenses: | ($ Expenses Per Month) |
I believe that the difference between our income and expenses is sufficient to provide for living expenses:
Item | Amount |
Monthly Income | ($ amount) |
Monthly Expenses | ($ amount) |
Excess Amount Per Month | ($ Excess Amount per Month) |
I wish to be employed to pursue my interests in (topic) and experience the American workplace and culture. The income from my employment may be used for customary recreational and cultural activities. I understand that my earnings cannot be used for the support of my J-1 spouse. Enclosed are all required documents for my application: (list documents included).
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
(J-2 Signature)
(J-2 Name, as listed on DS-2019)
If your J-2 status is valid for more than one year, add the following statement:
"I would like to request employment until the end date of my DS-2019 on include your actual end date here, under federal regulations 8 CFR274a.12(a) and (c)."
[Copy and paste the statement and then delete this text box}
