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University of Florida

J-2 Employment

J-2 dependents are permitted to work if they obtain proper authorization. Authorization must be received before the work begins.  

To be eligible for work in the US, J-2 dependents must: 

  • Apply for and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. 
  • Work only during the time the EAD authorization is active, and only once they physically possess the EAD card. 
  • Reapply to renew EAD before it expires. 
    • Applications can be submitted up to 180 days prior to the current EAD expiration date. 
    • Cease work if the EAD expires; the J-1 program ends; or the J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor’s visa status changes or ends.  

NOTE: J-2 dependents cannot seek employment to financially support you, themselves, or your other J-2 dependents. A J-2 dependent’s income cannot be a financial necessity for the family to live in the US.

Volunteering

 

Volunteering is often considered employment for immigration purposes. J-2 dependents may volunteer while in the US but must comply with all visa regulations. 

  • They can freely volunteer for charitable or philanthropic purposes. 
    • They cannot participate in any fundraising activities, such as selling art or food, unless they have valid work authorization from the US government. 
  • They cannot volunteer in any other ways unless they obtain and physically possess the approved, valid EAD before starting any activity.  

If a J-2 dependent violates these regulations, even accidentally, they may lose J-2 visa status or face other serious immigration penalties. 

For more information, please contact EVS. 

Taxes

 

J-2 dependents with an EAD who obtain employment in the United States will have tax obligations. J-2 dependents should review information about taxes in the US prior to filling out their hiring paperwork at a new job. 

Many employers are unaware that tax withholding for non-residents like J-2 visa holders works differently from that of US citizens and residents. As a result, these employers may withhold too little money in taxes from a J-2 dependent’s paychecks, which may result in the J-2 dependent owing a large sum of money when they file their tax return. 

The following blog posts, provided by Sprintax*, are helpful for educational purposes:  

J-2 dependents with tax questions should contact a US accountant familiar with nonresident taxes.  

*UFIC provides free access to Sprintax Returns to J-1 exchange visitors and F-1 students, which assists nonresidents in preparing their federal tax returns. All other information and services provided by Sprintax are neither provided nor endorsed by UF.