If you are the spouse or child of an L-1 visa holder, you may be eligible for an L-2 visa, which allows you to move to the US. This visa is designed to keep families together when a member relocates to the United States for work. This guide provides essential information about the L-2 visa, including eligibility, duration, work and study authorization, and more.
What is the L-2 Visa?
The L-2 visa is available to spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders. This visa allows dependents to accompany the L-1 visa holder to the US and offers benefits such as the ability to work and study.
Who is Ineligible for an L-2 Visa?
Parents, grandparents, and other family members apart from the spouse and children do not qualify for L-2 status. However, they may visit the US on a B-2 visitor visa.
Required Documents for an L-2 Visa
To apply for an L-2 visa, you must submit several documents to USCIS, including:
- Appointment letter for the visa interview
- Valid passport for each applicant
- Completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application with a CEAC Barcode
- A passport-style photo
- Original marriage certificate (for spouses) and supporting documents
- Original birth certificates (for children)
- Copy of the approved L-1 visa holder’s petition
- Employment verification letter from the L-1 visa holder’s US employer
- L-1 holder’s passport and Form I-797
- Photocopy of the L-1 visa holder’s income tax return and pay stubs
- Visa application and issuance fees
The US consulate may request additional documents. It is advisable to file your L-2 visa application concurrently with the L-1 visa application due to the processing time, which may take up to 30 days.
L-2 Visa Duration and Extension
The L-2 visa is valid for the same duration as the L-1 visa. Dependents of L-1A visa holders may stay in the US for up to seven years, while dependents of L-1B visa holders may stay for up to five years. The L-2 visa can be renewed or extended along with the L-1 visa holder’s status. If you are outside the US when your L-2 visa expires, you must renew it before re-entry.
Working in the US on an L-2 Visa
L-2 spouses can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) upon arrival in the US. USCIS evaluates EAD applications and may request additional evidence. Once approved, you can start working and apply for a Social Security Number if needed. An EAD allows for open market employment authorization, valid for two years and renewable as long as you maintain valid L-2 status.
Studying in the US on an L-2 Visa
L-2 spouses and children can study in the US part-time or full-time. Check with the school’s admissions office about in-state tuition eligibility, which is often lower than standard tuition rates.
Changing Visa Status
L-2 visa holders can apply to change their status to another visa category, such as F-1, H-1/H-4, or L-1, if they meet the requirements. If the L-1 visa holder changes to an H-1 visa, L-2 visa holders must switch to H-4 status. Note that an EAD obtained under L-2 status becomes invalid upon switching to H-4, but H-4 visa holders can apply for a new EAD.
L-2 Visa and Green Card
The L-1 visa category is “dual intent,” allowing holders to apply for a Green Card. If the L-1 visa holder’s application is approved, L-2 visa holders can also apply for permanent residency.
This comprehensive guide helps you understand the essentials of the L-2 visa, ensuring a smoother transition for families relocating to the US.
