J-2 work permits are obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) through an application process that usually takes 3-5 months to complete.  Employment may not begin until the J-2 has received the work permit, called the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

J-2 work permits allow the holder to work in any job, full-time or part-time, but employment may not extend beyond the end date on the EAD. Extension of work permits is possible, up to the end date of the J-1 principle's form DS-2019. Please note that the extension process also takes 3-5 months, so plan ahead if you want your employment to be continuous (without any gaps between work authorization periods).

Application Process
To apply for an EAD, mail the items listed below to the USCIS (address below). Be sure to keep photocopies of the entire packet for your records. 

1. $340 Check or Money Order
   Your fee must be the correct amount or your application will be returned (even if you pay the higher amount). Check or money orders must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” A name and an address must be printed on the check; temporary checks are not allowed.
2. I-765 Form
   Print page 10 of this form from the USCIS web site. Complete the form and don’t forget to sign at the bottom (with blue ink). On item #9, leave blank if you do not yet have a Social Security number On item #16, put in the code, "(C)(5)( )”.
3. DS-2019s                      
   Photocopy only of both the J-1’s and J-2’s DS-2019 forms
4. I-94 (J-2’s)                     
   Photocopy only (both sides).  The I-94 is the small, white card in the passport.
5. Photos (2), U.S. passport-style                      
   See instructions on the U.S. Department of State web site. Lightly print your name and I-94 number on the back of each photo in case they get separated from your application.
6. Financial statement                 
   See example.
7. Evidence of funds            
   Photocopy of J-1’s funding source documentation to support stay in U.S.
8. J-2 Biographical Data         
   Photocopy of biographical page in the J-2’s passport.
9. Proof of Marriage                       
   Photocopy of marriage certificate, with certification of translation if not in English (see sample from Berkeley International Office)

For an extension/renewal of a work permit (which takes 3-5 months), include all of the above items and a photocopy of your previous EAD card(s). Please note that you cannot file more than 120 days before your original employment authorization expires.

Mailing the Application to the USCIS
Send your application to the appropriate address, depending on the type of mail service you use:

For Regular or Certified Mail: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) California Service Center P.O. Box 10765 Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1076

For Overnight or Courier Delivery (Federal Express Next Day Air, UPS, etc.) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) California Service Center 24000 Avila Road 2nd Floor, Room 2312 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 Tel. 949-831-8427

Your Reciept "Notice of Action"
You will receive a "Notice of Action" from the USCIS, usually within 2-6 weeks.  This is an important document that can help track the status of your application.  You may use the receipt number (beginning with “WAC” if you are applying through the California Service Center) to check the status of your case online.  To check the status of your case, please visit the USCIS web site's Case State Service Online.