how to apply for l2 visa

^{How to Apply for the L2 Visa?}

1. Complete the DS-160 Online Application. The candidate needs to apply for the visa by submitting the DS-160 Form along with the recent passport-size photographs.
2. Pay the Application Fee. You will need to complete your DS-160 with an application fee.
3. Schedule Visa Appointments: Interview and Biometrics. You will need to book two visa appointments —one for biometrics and the other for the interview. ...
4. Submit your Documents. Passport-size photo. Copy of your L-1 spouse’s I-194 (if already in the U.S.) Some copies of L-1 spouse’s salary payslips (if already working in the ...
Attend the Biometrics Appointment. You will need to attend a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Center. ...
Attend the L-2 Visa Interview. To establish that all the claims made in your application are genuine, you will be asked some general and personal questions to determine ...

Can I hire someone on a L2 visa?

L2 spouses can apply for a US work visa by applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once an EAD is approved L2 spouses can work in any job role in the US, including self-employment.

Can a L2 visa holder start a business?

With this in mind, L-2 visas are very favorable "dependend" visas because you can actually work or run your own business. But before you do this, you should file and receive an employment authorization card (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Can a L2 visa holder work in the US?

They can work in high tech, a grocery store, a restaurant, or whichever legal business they want to work in. In other words, an L2 visa EAD allows “open market” employment authorization. An L-2 visa holder spouse can not work in the U.S. before getting the EAD approved. EAD for L2 spouse is valid up to 2 years at a time.

Are L2 visa holders allowed to work?

With an L-2 visa, you can get a degree and study in the U.S, but the most beneficial activity is that you are allowed to work. Children of L-1 visa holders do not qualify to work, but spouses do. To be eligible to work with this type of visa, you must get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

How can I apply for L2 visa in USA?

To apply for the L-2 visa, you must follow these steps.Fill in the DS-160 form. The DS-160 form is an online application form which applicants must submit in order to have their process started. ... Pay the application fee. ... Schedule your visa appointment. ... Submit the L-2 visa documents. ... Attend the visa interview.

What is the process for L2 visa?

Documents Required to Apply for L2 Visa: Printout of the Form DS-160 along with the CEAC Barcode. Valid passport. Photographs as per the guidelines. Visa issuance fee or demand draft.

How do I apply for L1 and L-2?

Spouses and children of L1 visa holders are eligible to apply for L2 visa, allowing them to enter and stay in the United States for the duration of the L1 visa holder's status. L2 visa application may be submitted with the spouse's L1 visa application if all family members are applying simultaneously.

Is there any interview for L2 visa?

Individuals applying for an L2 visa have to go through an interview process. This decides their visa application approval. A consulate officer conducts the interviewing process. During the interview, all applicants are asked L2 visa interview questions to ensure their relationship with an L1 member.

How long does it take for L-2 visa?

On average, the L-2 visa processing time takes about 30 days after completing the application appointments and submitting the required documents. Although this may vary from case to case, it is ideal to contact a qualified attorney to get the most accurate answer.

Can my wife work on L-2 visa?

Once an EAD is approved L2 spouses can work in any job role in the US, including self-employment. However, employment authorisation could take months. L2 EADs are valid for 2 years, and can be renewed indefinitely as long as the applicant retains their valid L2 visa status.

Can L-2 stay in US without L1?

You can stay in L-2 status only as long as your spouse continues to maintain L-1 status. You could apply to change your status to B-2 visitor.

How long is L-2 visa valid?

In the case of L-1A visa holder dependents, the L-2 visa holders may stay in the U.S. for up to seven years while dependents of L-1B visa holders may stay in the U.S. for up to five years. The L-2 visa may also be renewed or extended following the renewal or extension of the L-1 visa holder's status.

Can L-2 visa work without EAD?

As part of the settlement, on November 12, 2021, the USCIS announced that E and L2 spouse visa holders are no longer required to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to work in the United States by virtue of holding L2 or E status.

Can L-2 get green card?

L2 Visa to Green Card L2 visa holders are dependent on the primary L1 visa holder. They may be included in the process for adjustment of status (also known as applying for a Green Card). Make sure your L2 visa is valid when you apply for a Green Card to prevent the necessity for advance parole.

What is an L-2 interview?

They are already picturing you in the role but have some further questions to challenge whether they are ready to offer you the role. The second interview is designed to ascertain what separates you from the other candidates they are considering.

What is difference between L1 and L-2 visa?

There are two categories for beneficiaries. L1A visas are for persons who will work in a managerial or executive capacity and L1B visas are for those who will work in a capacity that involves “specialized” knowledge. In addition, certain relatives of L1 visa beneficiaries may be eligible for derivative L2 visas.

Who is eligible for L-2 visa?

The L2 visa is a nonimmigrant US visa issued to dependents of L1 visa holders. Immediate family members of L1 visa holders may enter and stay in the United States by obtaining L2 visas. Eligible family members for an L2 visa include spouses and children (under age 21) of L1 visa holders.

How long is L-2 visa valid?

In the case of L-1A visa holder dependents, the L-2 visa holders may stay in the U.S. for up to seven years while dependents of L-1B visa holders may stay in the U.S. for up to five years. The L-2 visa may also be renewed or extended following the renewal or extension of the L-1 visa holder's status.

Can L-2 visa work without EAD?

This means that upon admission and issuance of a valid I-94 document showing L-2 or E spousal status, E and L nonimmigrant spouses will automatically be authorized to work without the need to apply for an EAD.

Can L-2 visa holder 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).

How to apply for the L-2 visa?

The L-2 visa application is quite straightforward, and follows similar patterns to all other dependent visas such as the H-4 visa. It is recommended that dependents apply for their visa at the same time as the L-1 visa applicant, since it is much easier to prove their relationship. To apply for the L-2 visa, you must follow these steps.

How long does it take to get a L-2 visa?

After you submit your documents and go through all the application steps, you will have to wait for your visa to be processed. L-2 visas take from 15 days to 1 month to be processed; however, depending on the Embassy’s workload and other factors, it might take longer.

How long is the L-2 visa valid?

So, as an L-2 dependent, your visa is valid for as long as the L-1 visa holder (your spouse or parents) is valid. If the L-1 visa is extended, then the L-2 dependent is also eligible for extensions. You can file for extensions by submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status to USCIS for this purpose. Most often, if the L-1 visa has been extended, the L-2 visa will also be extended.

Can I go from an L-2 visa to Green Card?

Since you are bound directly to the L-1 visa holder, if this person applies for a Green Card, then you too are eligible to apply. Since the L visas are dual intent visas, you are not required to submit proof of intent to return home or prove strong ties to your home country.

Why is my L-2 visa rejected?

Most L-2 visa applications are not rejected; however, valid L-2 visa rejection reasons include the official of the U.S Embassy believing that you are going to the U.S to support your spouse who is already there, maybe under false employment contracts. So state the facts and try to give as much detail as possible.

How old do you have to be to get a visa interview?

Visa interviews for U.S visa applicants are required for those who are over 13 and under 79 years old. If you belong to this group, then you must schedule an appointment. You should try to schedule it as soon as possible, since the U.S Embassy might have a heavy workload and you might have to wait for your appointment to come up. When you schedule this appointment, you will get a visa appointment letter, which you will need for later on in your application process.

What is the last step in the application process for a L-2 visa?

The visa interview is the last step in the application process for the L-2 visa. You will need to show up at the U.S Embassy where you made the appointment, on time and with your documents. The L-2 visa interview questions will include questions regarding any previous stay or visit to the U.S, your relationship to the L-1 visa holder, and your intentions or purpose of going to the U.S.

L2 Visa Application Process

Either the L1 visa holder or the L2 visa applicant may apply for an L2 visa at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country. The following steps outline the process of how to apply for L2 visa.

L2 Visa Application Documents

When applying for L2 visa, you will need to provide the following documents for your L2 visa application.

What is an L2 visa?

L2 visas are also known as L1 dependent visas. These visas are granted to the spouses and dependents of L1 visa holders. An L2 visa is a non-immigrant visa, but despite this, you still enjoy a wide variety of benefits in the time you are in the U.S. We’ll take a look at these in more detail below.

How long does it take to get a L2 visa?

You can apply for a personal loan to help you out even if you are a visa holder. The processing time for an L2 visa can take up to 30 daysorand even longer.

How long is an L2 visa valid?

As mentioned before, the validity of an L2 visa is dependent on the validity of the L1 visa to which it is connected. The L2 visa is valid for as long as the L1 visa is valid. The dependents of an L1-A visa holder may stay in the U.S. for 7 years. Dependents of an L1- B visa holder may stay in the U.S. for 5 years. Your L2 visa will expire as soon as the L1 visa expires.

What is a dependent visa?

Truly dependent visas are given to people who are dependent on someone in line for a U.S. visa. This includes a spouse or children who are under the age of 21 (and still dependent on the primary visa holder).

What is visa stamping?

Visa stamping is where the visa is endorsed in your passport.

How long does it take to get out of status after a visa extension?

Don’t worry, you won’t go out of status as long as the decision to extend your visa is still pending with the USCIS or until 240 days have passed.

Can a parent with an L1 visa be an L2 dependent?

L2 Ineligible Dependents. Parents of an L1 visa holder are unfortunately not eligible for an L2 visa. Even if you as the L1 visa holder are the primary caretaker of your parents, it will still not qualify your parents to be eligible for an L2 visa.

What is an L2 visa?

The L2 visa allows the dependent spouse and minor, unmarried children of qualified L-1 visa holders to enter into the U.S.

How long does it take for USCIS to issue employment authorization?

The law mandates that the USCIS shall issue Employment Authorization documents within 90 days. However, at some service centers, the wait currently exceeds 90 days.

How long is an I-765 valid?

Based on this, you will receive an employment authorization document which is valid for 240 days while the USCIS processes your two year employment authorization document.

Can I change my spouse's H-4 to L-2?

Yes, if your spouse qualifies for L-1 status, you may apply for a change of status from H-4 to L-2 status and your spouse from H-1B to L-1 status. To obtain work authorization, you should submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, together with your Form I-539, Application for Change or Extension of Status.

Can I apply for adjustment of status?

Yes, you may apply for Adjustment of Status. Based on the L-1 principals adjustment of status application.You need to file Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the USCIS.

Is there a limit on the amount of employment you can get?

Yes, there is no limit on the nature of the authorized employment. The USCIS refers to this as ‘open market’ employment authorization.

How long is an L2 visa valid?

That is, up to 7 years in the case of dependents of L1A visa and up to 5 years in the case of dependents of L1B visa. L-2 visa holders are allowed to travel in and out of the U.S. provided their L2 visa status and L2 visa stamp remain valid.

What is the advantage of L-2 visa over H-4?

The major advantage of L-2 dependent visa over H-4 dependent visa is that L-2 visa spouse is allowed to work in the U.S. once Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is filed with the USCIS and is approved. Once you get EAD card, you should go to the Social Security office and apply for a Social Security Number if you already don’t have one. An L-2 visa holder with EAD can do any legal job or business anywhere in the U.S., part-time or full-time, off-line or on-line, or from home or remotely. They can work in high tech, a grocery store, a restaurant, or whichever legal business they want to work in. In other words, an L2 visa EAD allows “open market” employment authorization. An L-2 visa holder spouse can not work in the U.S. before getting the EAD approved.

Can a spouse of a L2 work in the US?

An L-2 visa holder spouse can not work in the U.S. before getting the EAD approved. EAD for L2 spouse is valid up to 2 years at a time. EAD can be renewed as long as the person remains in the valid L-2 status. EAD application can be filed on its own or along with Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status.

Can dependents change from H-1 to L-1?

If the primary visa holder changes the status from H-1 visa to L-1 visa, the dependents are allowed to change the status from H-4 visa to L-2 visa.

Do you have to have dependents and spouse for visa interview?

It is recommended (but not required) that the spouse and dependent children go for their visa interview at the same time as the principal applicant.

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:

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.

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.

Where do I mail my I-797?

Mail your application to the applicable address and wait for the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) to confirm they have received it. They will mail a Form I-797 (a receipt of notice) to the address you’ve listed on your application.

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).

How long does it take to get a L2 visa?

Generally, the L2 visa processing time is between 15 days and 1 month, but it may take more time.

What is an L1 visa?

An L1 Visa is also regarded as an intra-company transfer visa for the US. It makes possible for a US company to transfer the main worker from one of its offices that located in a foreign country to its US branch. The L1 visa is divided into the following two categories:

What is the difference between L1 and L2?

The L1 visa and L2 Visa allow their holders to live in the USA for a certain period of time. The former is for an individual blessed with high skills and extensive knowledge while the latter is for their dependents.

How long does it take to get a response from L1 visa?

A blanket petition is processed in less time than an individual one. Apart from that, an option of getting premium processing is available for the employer by paying an extra fee. It will expedite the L1 A visa processing time, and a response will be given within 1 to 3 weeks.

Does a petitioning employer have to have an office in the USA?

In simple words, the person is actively and continuously providing goods and services. Only having an office is not enough .

What is an L-1A visa?

The L-1A visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions in a company that is located outside the United States.

What is L-1B nonimmigrant classification?

The L-1B nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer a professional employee with specialized knowledge relating to the organization’s interests from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States.

What is the classification of L-1A?

The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company which does not yet have an affiliated U.S.

How long do you have to work abroad to get into the US?

Generally have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately before your admission to the United States; and