Eligiblity to Apply For Employment Authorization: You and your J-1 principal must be in good lawful status
Requirements:
- The income must be used for recreational and cultural activities and related travel and other things but not to support your J-1 principal.
- You must have received your employment authorization before you begin work.
Application Procedure
- Complete an Application for Employment Authorization Form I-765. Be sure to include the following as part of your application in the order listed:
- $340 check or money order
- 2 photos as detailed in "Part 3. Required Documentation" of the application—we recommend you place them in a small plastic bag
- Copy of your current J-2 Form DS-2019
- Copy of current J-1 Form DS-2019
- Copy of your J-2 Form I-94 Departure Record (front and back)
- Copy of J-1 Form I-94 Departure Record (front and back)
- Their letter stating why the employment is desired, indicating the source and amount of support for the principal participant, and specifically stating that the income derived from employment will not be used for the support of the J-1 exchange visitor. You do not have to demonstrate financial need to receive employment authorization. Being able to enhance your understanding of the American experience such as travel, books, recreation, etc.is considered a legitimate reason.
- Copy of your passport visa and your name, date of birth, photograph, passport number, and passport expiration date pages
- If you are Canadian, you may submit a copy of a photo identity document issued by a governmental agency such as a passport showing your photograph, name, and date of birth or a driver's license showing the same information. The photocopy must clearly show the photograph and identity information.
- Copy of your last EAD (front and back) if you have previously received one
- Bring the completed application to IS for review before submitting it to USCIS.
- We recommend you make a copy of everything you send to USCIS for your personal records.
- EAD cards are not forwarded, so if you are planning to move, you may want to put our office address on the Form I-765 (1351 WSC, Provo UT 84602). In that case, leave us a phone number where we can contact you when your card arrives. We recommend that you send your application by certified return receipt mail to:
(for U.S. Postal Service deliveries)
USCIS
P.O. Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
(for courier/express non-U.S. Postal Service deliveries)
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034