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University of Florida

EAD Application Process

J-2 dependents who want to apply for work authorization must submit the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application to USCIS. USCIS processing times for EAD applications can range from 2-5 months.

Outline of Process

 

  1. Prepare the application documents (see list below).
  2. Schedule an appointment with an EVS advisor to review application packet (optional).
  3. Mail the application packet to USCIS.
    1. Use this chart to determine the mailing address. The correct USCIS address will depend on which state the applicant is mailing from, as well as the shipping carrier.
  4. USCIS will mail a receipt (I-797C – Notice of Action) approximately two weeks after packet delivery. The I-797C will contain a receipt number and confirm the date that the EAD application packet and payment were received. Applicants can track their application progress online using their I-797C receipt number.
  5. If approved, USCIS will mail the EAD to the applicant at the address listed on form I-765 (2-5 months after submission).
    1. If an applicant changes their US address between submitting their application and receiving a decision from USCIS, they must update it online here.
    2. If the application cannot be approved, USCIS will notify the applicant via mail.
  6. Once the EAD is received in the mail, the applicant can apply for a Social Security Number with the Social Security Administration.

Renewing an EAD Card

 

  • If a J-2 applicant wishes to renew an existing EAD, they must file a new application packet.
    • USCIS recommends that applicants not file a request to renew the EAD more than 180 days before the expiration of the existing EAD.
  • If the new EAD does not arrive prior to the expiration date on the existing EAD, the J-2 dependent must stop working until the new EAD arrives.
  • A new fee payment is required.
  • Do NOT simply edit the digital version of the previously submitted form I-765. Always go directly to the USCIS website to retrieve the most recent version of the form.
    • Using an old form is the most common reason that renewal applications are denied.

Helpful Reminders

 

  • The EAD application packet is manually reviewed by a USCIS employee. Providing a neat, orderly packet increases the chances that your application will be reviewed quickly.
  • Make sure all copies are clearly legible.
  • If a document is not listed above, do NOT include it.
    • If you have multiple J-2 dependents, only include the immigration documents of the J-2 EAD applicant (not the other J-2 dependents).
  • Do not forget to sign form I-765!

Required Documents

EVS recommends that the documents be organized in the following order in the application packet.

  • Photos must be compliant with passport regulations and taken within the last six (6) months.
  • Print the J-2 applicant’s full name and most recent I-94 number on the back of each photo.
    • If the writing is visible from the picture side of the photo, then the photo will not be accepted.
    • EVS recommends using pencil if possible.
  • EVS does NOT recommend using current passport or visa photos, even if they are recent.
  • Review the detailed instructions on the photo requirements (PDF). The applicant can also obtain verified passport-regulation photos taken at a drugstore such as CVS or Walgreens.
    • USCIS will not accept photos that have been retouched, edited, or digitally enhanced. Even if the applicant gets their photo at a drugstore, ensure that the store does not retouch the photo in any way.
    • If USCIS rejects the photo, the applicant will receive a Request for Evidence instructing them to appear at a USCIS Applicant Support Center for a new photo. Read the Request for Evidence carefully and promptly follow the instructions given.
  • Fee is $520.00 USD and nonrefundable.
  • Payment Options
    • Credit card or debit card, using form G-1450
    • ACH transaction through US bank account, using form G-1650
  • EVS recommends typing your responses to prevent delays due to illegible handwriting.
  • Money orders, personal checks, and cashier’s checks are no longer accepted.
  • General Information
    • Form I-765 can be accessed on the USCIS website.
    • Form I-765 is updated periodically. ONLY the most recent form (the version linked on the USCIS website) will be accepted.
    • J-2 dependents are not eligible to submit form I-765 online.
  • Tips for Filling Out Form I-765 
    • Do not leave any text boxes blank; if a question is not applicable to the J-2 applicant, put “Not Applicable” in that space. Number boxes may be left blank if not applicable.
    • Question 26. SEVIS Number: Use the J-2 applicant's SEVIS number, which can be found in the upper righthand corner of the DS-2019. The J-2 applicant has a different SEVIS ID number from the J-1 exchange visitor.
    • Question 27. Eligibility Category: The eligibility code for J-2 EAD applicants is: first box: c, second box: 5, third box: blank.
    • Pages 5-7: If not needed, draw a line across the full page and handwrite "Not Applicable" next to the line. The pages must be included in the packet.
  • Print the form after completion and sign in the space provided on page 4. 
    • Signature must be in blue or black ink and cannot be digital.
  • Signed copies of all forms DS-2019 for J-2 applicant (newest version first)
  • Copy of current passport for J-2 applicant
  • Copy of current J visa for J-2 applicant
    • If applicable, include copy of USCIS change-of-status approval notice (only if current J status was obtained through an in-country change-of-status).
  • Copy of most recent I-94 record for J-2 applicant
  • Signed copies of all forms DS-2019 for J-1 exchange visitor (newest version first)
  • Copy of current passport for J-1 exchange visitor
  • Copy of current J visa for J-1 exchange visitor
    • If applicable, include copy of USCIS change-of-status approval notice (only if current J status was obtained through an in-country change-of-status).
  • Copy of most recent I-94 record for J-1 exchange visitor 
  • J-2 spouse applicants: copy of marriage certificate
    • Must include an English translation if the original is not in English
    • Only applicable to J-2 spouse applicants
  • J-2 child applicants: copy of birth certificate
    • Must include an English translation if the original is not in English
    • Only applicable to J-2 child applicants
  • The translation can be made either by 1) a professional translator with a stamp or letterhead; or 2) an amateur translator. For translations done by amateur translators:
    • The translator cannot be the scholar or a member of the scholar's family.
    • The translation must be accompanied by the following statement, signed and dated by the translator:
      • "I certify that I am proficient in English and (original language) and that I translated this document to the best of my ability.
  • This letter demonstrates that the J-2 applicant will not use their earnings to support themselves or the J-1 exchange visitor.
  • Follow this example letter format.
    • Including additional details is NOT recommended.
  • By signing the letter, the J-2 applicant is confirming that all information is accurate and true.
  • Proof of funding
    • If the J-1 exchange visitor receives a UF salary or government scholarship, the DS-2019 is generally sufficient to demonstrate adequate funding.
    • If the J-1 exchange visitor is self-funded, EVS recommends including a bank statement in the J-1 exchange visitor's name.
  • Must include copies of both the front and back of the previous cards.

For more information, please contact EVS.