
Can a L2 visa holder work in the US?
This is also only allowed for certain types of visas. The good news is L2 visa holders can apply for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and, if approved, will be allowed to work in the U.S. So essentially an L2 EAD gives L2 visa holders the right to work in the U.S.
Do L-1 visa holders need an EAD?
Without First Applying for a Work Permit (EAD) November 10, 2021 Husbands and wives of L-1 intracompany transferees who come to the U.S. on L-2 visas will no longer need to submit an I-765 form and receive a work permit (EAD) card in order to accept U.S. employment.
Can a L-1 spouse work in the US without an EAD?
USCIS Finally Agrees That Spouses of L-1 and E Visa Holders Can Work in the U.S. Without First Applying for a Work Permit (EAD) November 10, 2021 Husbands and wives of L-1 intracompany transferees who come to the U.S. on L-2 visas will no longer need to submit an I-765 form and receive a work permit (EAD) card in order to accept U.S. employment.
How long is a L2 EAD valid for?
An EAD is normally valid for two years. The validity of your L2 EAD is, however, dependent on your L2 visa’s validity. Your visa gives you the right to be in the U.S. and your EAD was granted to you based on a valid visa.

Can L2 visa holder work in US without EAD USCIS?
The new admission code follows a November 2021 USCIS policy change recognizing L dependent spouses are automatically work-authorized due to their status—without the need for an employment authorization document (EAD).
Can I start working without EAD card?
No. Even though you've received approval for your EAD application, it's not enough to start working. It doesn't prove anything to your employer, and it's better to wait for your actual card before you start working.
Can a L2 visa holder work?
Spouses of L1 visa holders on L2 visa status are eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or L2 visa work permit, and work in the United States. An approved EAD is required for an L2 visa holder to work in the US.
Can L-2 work after EAD expires?
The answer is that you cannot work after the expiration of your EAD card validity.
What will happen if I work without EAD?
Working without legal authorization in the U.S. can result in a denial of your green card application. In some cases, it can even result in removal (deportation) proceedings.
Can I work while waiting for EAD?
In general, a pending EAD application does not provide permission to work, so persons with a pending EAD application cannot work in the USA. The only exception to this rule is for F-1 Students who are STEM-OPT eligible.
How long does it take to get EAD for L-2?
The processing time can take fifteen days to 1 month for L-2 Visas.
How do I get EAD on L-2?
Children with an L-2 visa are not eligible to apply for an EAD but may enroll in a U.S. school. Obtaining an EAD involves filing the required documents with the USCIS. Once approved, you will be issued your EAD card, which you can then use to find work with a U.S. employer.
How long it takes for EAD approval?
60-90 daysIt usually takes 60-90 days to process and approve the EAD application after you have submitted an RFE response to USCIS.
Why EAD is taking so long?
Issuance of certain Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766, EADs) may be delayed due to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Is L-2 EAD automatic extension?
Automatic L2 EAD based on L1 status, H4 EAD automatic extension for 540 days or until H4 i94 is valid. Big changes announced by USCIS. Update 3 May 2022 – USCIS has issued a temporary final rule which helps increase the 180-day auto extension to 540 days (1.5 years in total).
Can L-2 dependent stay in US without L1?
L-2 non-immigrant dependent visa holders who are traveling to the US without their L-1A or L-1B visa spouse/parent are reportedly being placed in 'secondary inspection' by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Can L-2 visa be converted to L1?
L2 visa holders are allowed to change their visa status to another visa type such as B-1, B-2, H1, H4 (if the primary visa holder has an H1 status) or even L1. Fortunately, the time you've spent in the U.S. under an L type visa will also not decrease the number of years for which your next visa will be valid.
Is an L-2 visa holder a permanent resident?
An L-2 visa is a visa document used to enter the United States by the dependent spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of qualified L-1 visa holders. It is a non-immigrant visa, and is only valid for the duration of the spouse's L-1 visa.
Can L-2 apply for green card?
Can L2 visa holders apply for a Green Card? L-2 visa holders can also apply for a Green Card by being included in the primary L-1 visa holder's application to adjust status.
How Long is L2 EAD Valid for?
An EAD is normally valid for two years. The validity of your L2 EAD is, however, dependent on your L2 visa’s validity. Your visa gives you the right to be in the U.S. and your EAD was granted to you based on a valid visa. So, your L2 EAD is valid for a maximum of two years or until your L2 visa expires (whichever of the two scenarios happens first).
How long before L2 EAD expires?
You can apply for your new L2 EAD about 4 months before your current one expires. This will allow you and the USCIS enough time to produce the new one before your current EAD expires.
How long does it take to get an L2 EAD card?
The processing times for L2 EAD applications vary from one service center to the other. Generally, however, the L2 EAD processing time is between 60-90 days for the USCIS to reach a decision regarding your application. Once your application is approved, they will mail you the EAD card (it looks like a plastic credit card). If it turns out your application is unsuccessful for whatever reason, they will also notify you accordingly.
What states do L2 spouses need to mail to?
L2 spouses from these states need to use the following mailing address – AK, AZ, CA, CO, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, OH, OR, SD, UT, WA, WI, or WY mail to:
Does L2 visa expire?
Your L2 visa will expire as soon as your spouse’s L1 visa expires (in turn causing your EAD to expire as well).
Francisco Javier Alvillar
SSA will issue SSN based on visa category. For L2, SSA will issue SSN even without physical possession of EAD in hand. But to work, you need EAD in your hand as SSN issued will only be useful to work with express authorization from DHS to work.
Wendy Rebecca Barlow
No, it will not be ok. You are not authorized to work without an EAD. You will be in violation of your L-2 nonimmigrant status if you work without authorization. Once approved, you will be issued an EAD that is valid for up to two years so long as you have a valid I-94. The EAD validity will not exceed the date on your I-94. You...
Ricky Malik
You will have to apply and wait to recieve your EAD bedore commencing employment. It sounds like you will only get authorization until July 2017 based on the facts provided.
Giacomo Jacques Behar
1. "Will it be OK to apply for EAD and start a job while waiting the EAD card to be issued?" No, absolutely not. In fact, starting to work prior to your EAD having been approved will constitute "unauthorized employment" in violation of your current L-2 status and could land you in removal proceedings in immigration court.
Claudine Umuhire Gasana
I agree with my colleagues, you will need an approved EAD before you can begin working. Otherwise, you will be engaging in unauthorized employment and in violation of your L-2 status.
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