how to file ead for l2 visa

The L2 EAD process is quite straightforward. You need to submit your application form together with the supporting documents and evidence. It is very important that you provide all the information and documents required for your L2 EAD application. If you don’t, your EAD might not get approved.

Full Answer

How long does it take to receive L2 EAD?

You can always apply for a loan even if you are a visa holder. 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.

Can I work without an EAD with a L2 visa?

USCIS: Spouses of L-2 Visa Holders Can Work in the U.S. Without First Applying for a Work Permit (EAD) | Nolo USCIS Finally Agrees That L-2 Spouses of L-1 Visa Holders Can Work in the U.S. Without First Applying for a Work Permit (EAD)

Can I apply for L2 visa and EAD together?

That way i can risk applying L2 COS and EAD together with L1 extension of my spouse. Else I will wait for my spouse L1 to be stamped which will be premium and then apply L2+EAD together. Chances of both L2 COS and L2 EAD getting approved at same time are good.

Does a person on L2 need EAD?

Under the settlement agreement, L-2 spouses will not need a separate EAD and can search for employment in the US while the transfer is in process and accept employment upon arrival. Expect to see USCIS issue regulatory guidance affecting this change in the near future.

How can I get EAD for L-2 visa?

L2 EAD Documents checklist: Biometric services fee – $85 for your biometric screening appointment. Form I-765 – This form is the actual application for the EAD. L1 approval notice of the primary visa holder (Form I-797) – Include a copy of the document that approves your spouse's L1 visa. Copy of your passport.

Does L-2 need to apply for 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.

How long will it take to get EAD for L-2 visa?

It can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days for processing of the L2 EAD applications after RFE response was submitted.

Where do I send L-2 EAD?

If you are filing your Form I-765 through the U.S. Postal Service, you must mail to USCIS, PO Box 650888, Dallas, TX 75265-0888.

Does L-2 visa need EAD for USCIS?

As per the New EAD Policy a spouse on an L-2 visa (as well as dependent spouses of E visa holders) automatically authorized to work. They do not need to wait for an Employment Authorization Document, aka an EAD card. Evidence of entering the U.S. in L-2 status is sufficient for employment eligibility.

How can L-2 visa get work permit?

They are as follows:Appointment letter for the US visa Interview.Printout of the Form DS-160 along with the CEAC Barcode.Valid passport.Photographs as per the guidelines.Visa issuance fee or demand draft.The birth certificate (original) of the applicant is required if the applicant is below the age of 14 years.More items...

Can I travel while my L-2 EAD application is in process?

Assuming the EAD is the only application you have pending, yes you may travel.

Can we apply L-2 EAD in premium?

The good news is that premium processing for EADs (H4 and L2 EAD included) will cost $1500 to get approval within 30 days. This is much better than filing court litigations or losing a job.

Can I apply for L-2 EAD from India?

L2 visa is not an employment based visa so it is not applied by any employer. It is a dependent visa to be applied by the spouse of a L1 visa holder. Your company may be kind enough to help you apply for it and even pay for it, but you not need to go through any employer if you want to apply for L2 visa.

Does L-2 EAD need biometrics?

Similarly, biometric is not required for standalone L2 EAD applications.

Can you file EAD online?

EAD application can also be filed electronically online at USCIS website. Visit E-Filing Form I-765 for specific instructions on e-filing application for employment authorization. If you are e-Filing Form I-765, you do NOT need to submit paper photographs.

What is the eligibility category for L-2 EAD?

H4 EAD category code is C(26) L2 EAD category code is A(18). Recently, USCIS made the changes to allow L2-dependent work just with the use of L2 i94. No need to apply L2 EAD using form i765 separately....USCIS EAD Category Codes.CodeEAD Code Eligibility180-Day Automatic Extension?A11Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)N50 more rows

How to renew an EAD?

Renew an EAD. If you are still eligible for employment authorization but your EAD will be expiring or has expired, you should file for a renewal EAD by submitting a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved.

What is an EAD?

Having an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD) is one way to prove that you are allowed to work in the United States for a specific time period . To request an EAD, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. You will need to apply for an EAD if you:

What to do if I lost my EAD?

If your EAD is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required), unless a fee waiver is requested and approved. If you did not receive an EAD that USCIS mailed, you can submit an inquiry on non-delivery of a card. The card containing the error.

What are the requirements for employment authorization?

Are required to apply for permission to work; in other words, you need to request employment authorization itself. For example:#N#You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.#N#You have a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal.#N#You have a nonimmigrant status that allows you to be in the United States but does not allow you to work in the United States without first seeking permission from USCIS (such as an F-1 or M-1 student). 1 You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. 2 You have a pending Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. 3 You have a nonimmigrant status that allows you to be in the United States but does not allow you to work in the United States without first seeking permission from USCIS (such as an F-1 or M-1 student).

What is an asylee, refugee, or U nonimmigrant?

Are authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status (for example, you are an asylee, refugee, or U nonimmigrant) and need evidence of that employment authorization, or. Are required to apply for permission to work; in other words, you need to request employment authorization itself. For example:

What is the pending form for permanent residence?

You have a pending Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

Where do I submit my I-765?

Submit this information to the service center or National Benefit Center that approved your latest Form I-765.

What is an EAD visa?

To be eligible to work with this type of visa, you must get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You are allowed to apply for this document as soon as you arrive in the U.S. This document allows you to find employment in any sector of the economy, as long as the job is legal and there is an offer for a position for you.

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 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 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.

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.

What is the advantage of L-2?

A significant advantage of L-2 status is the ability to work by obtaining employment authorization documents (EAD). The L-2 visa process for an EAD card involves filing the appropriate documents with USCIS. From there, after obtaining your EAD card you’ll need to go to the Social Security Office to get your SSN.

What If My Case L-2 Is Pending After the Interview?

This is generally referred to as “pending for administrative processing.” In this case, you may be required to provide additional information. If your case is subject to administrative processing after the interview, you will be told what to do. And if additional information is requested, be sure to provide the required items before the deadline given to you.

How long does it take to get a visa?

The embassy will need to hold on to your passport after the interview and you will be told when you will receive the passport containing the valid L-2 visa, which you will use to travel to the United States. The wait time between your interview and when you will receive your visa is usually within 10 business days. Once you receive your visa, you can begin plans to travel to the U.S.

Can a spouse apply for an L-2 visa?

Just like many other dependent visa categories, the L-2 visa has a straightforward application process. It’s often best that spouses and children, L-2 beneficiaries, process their visas at the same time as the L-1 applica nt. The process will likely be easier as there will be fewer hurdles in proving that a genuine family relationship exists between you. The following are steps to applying for an L-2 visa:

Can I change my L-2 visa to H-4?

L-2 visa holders can change their status to B-1, B-2, H-1 or H-4, assuming they meet the eligibility requirements for each. In order to request a change of status or extension of stay under L-2 status, while in the U.S., the relatives may apply together on Form I-539 Application to change or extend nonimmigrant status.

Do L-1 spouses have payslips?

Some copies of L-1 spouse’s salary payslips (if he or she is already working in the U.S.)

Can a L-1 worker be a dependent?

In most cases, an L-2 visa is granted if the L-1 worker and his/her dependents meet the requirements. Based on USCIS regulations, the parents of L-1 holders are not considered dependents (for L-2 dependent visas) even if the L-1 holder is their primary caretaker.

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.

Can dependent children file for EAD?

Additionally, don’t expect that prospective employer to file your EAD. They have nothing do with it, and you have to file it yourself. Dependent children on L2 visa are NOT eligible to apply for EAD.

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.