My spouse will be joining me in the US, can they work?

My spouse will be joining me in the US, can they work?

F-2 dependent (spouse) visa holders are not eligible for employment. An F-2 dependent who would desire to pursue any employment, paid or non-paid, in the U.S. would need to find an employer willing and able to sponsor them for an employment visa.

J-2 dependent (spouse) visa holders are eligible, after entry to the US in J-2 status, to apply for a work permit from USCIS.  Please consult the ISO website on “Work Authorization for J-2 dependents”

Details on study and employment eligibility for F-2 and J-2 visa holders is available on the ISO website on the “Visa Categories” page.