J2 - Work

J2 - Work
Your J2 spouse may be eligible to get a work permit in the USA.

Working Permit Application
Comprehensive information on the topic can be found here:

https://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/families/j-2_employment

Highlights:

- it takes Immigration Services three months to decide whether you will get EAD (Emplyoment Authorization Document) or not.

- to minimize the time you may fill out form before you come to the USA, but you can apply only after you come to the USA

- get copy of your marriage certificate and translation before you come to the USA (certification of translation does not need to be from official notary, someone who speaks English and language of the certificate should be enough. I guess it is better if that person lives in the USA.)

- application fee is $480

- letter supporting your application (written by applicant) needs to be attached. It needs to state reason for applying for EAD (Experience the american work culture). It needs to show you do not need the salary to finance your basic needs in the USA. Example: http://internationaloffice.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/j2-ead-letter.doc

Searching for job
Getting a job takes usually at least two months. So, get your resume ready and start looking for a job while waiting for EAD.

Post your resume to:

- job boards of the university where your spouse works

- https://www.indeed.com/

- https://www.dice.com/

- https://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm

- https://www.monster.com/

Have few contacts for background check employer may want to do. 2 or 3 former colleagues or friends who speak English.

Almost all positions are advertised through some recruiting company. Most recruiting companies that will contact you provide horrible services. The same position is usually offered by multiple recruiters - you can choose the reliable one. Best experience is with local recruiters that have long term relation with the company that is offering the job. Agents calling you from the other side of the USA usually are more hassle than help.

Never provide recruiter with copy of your VISA, your SSN or any other personal information other than your resume. They do not need them and have no legal right to request them.

Before you start
It takes usually 4 to 6 weeks from accepting a bid to you actually start working. You will need to pass drug test (some companies do not hire even smokers) and back ground check - which itself takes a week or two, because you have no US history and they claim to do check in your home country (which they probably don't do).