what is a l2 visa

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.

Can I do business on L2 visa?

With an EAD you will be able to work for an employer, be self-employed, or start your own business. If you don’t have an EAD, you can only start and own the business but you are not able to work for it as an employee. As an L2 visa holder, you can apply for an EAD by submitting Form I-765 to the USCIS.

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).

Who is eligible for L2 visa?

In order to apply for the L2 visa, the eligibility requirements according to immigration law for spouses and children are: The visa holder should be a dependent spouse of an L1 visa. The visa is issued for the unmarried children and dependents who are at the age group of 21 years of age.

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.

What is difference between L1 and L2 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.

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 L-2 visa valid?

seven yearsIn 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.

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 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.

Is there interview for L-2 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.

Can L-2 visa holder work in US 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.

How long does L-2 visa processing take?

On average, the L-2 visa processing time takes about 30 days after completing the application appointments and submitting the required documents.

Can L-2 visa holder travel alone?

You can certainly travel alone. Carry documents showing your husband's L1 status, employment verification.

How much does an L-2 visa cost?

Pay the application fee The application fee for the L-2 visa is $160. You must pay this fee for the application to be considered by the US Embassy.

Can I work on L-2 visa 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 visa holder work on w2?

Yes, her "open market" EAD allows her to work for whomever or whichever she pleases, including self-employment a.k.a. "freelancing".

Can L-2 dependent 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.

Can L-2 visa holder work in India?

L2 is a dependent visa of L1. So your current employer will need to get that done. Her current employer will not do it. Now, once she gets L2 she can travel with you to US as a dependent but she cannot work unless she gets EAD(work permit).

What is an L2 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 can a L2 stay in the US?

L2 visa holders are authorized to stay in the US for as long as the principal L1 visa holder has a valid visa. The L1 visa holder may stay for a period of three years, extendable to a maximum of five years. After this, the visa holder has to stay out of the country for a minimum of one year before he may apply for a new visa or adjustment towards another visa status. This time frame applies to the dependent L2 visa holder as well.

What happens if you change your L1 visa to H1?

If the L1 visa holder changes to H1, your status changes to H4 visa.

What is a copy of a spouse's L1 approved petition?

Copy of spouse's L1 approved petition. Form I-129 (if Form I-797 is a blanket permit, copy of Form I-797 and I-129) of the Principal Applicant, and letter from employer that describes the relationship with the Principal Applicant and the purpose of travel.

What to check when getting a visa?

Upon receiving your visa, carefully check for any kind of mistakes like name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date, etc.

Do you have to have your last name and given name on a visa application?

Note: While providing the information to take visa interview and filing online application form visa applicants should indicate clearly their Last Name and Given Name. South Indian names, for instance are inevitably on the first line instead of breaking up into First name and Last name.

Can a spouse of a L1 visa holder work in the US?

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. The basic steps for working on L2 visa are listed below.

What is an L-2 visa?

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.

How old do you have to be to get an L-2 visa?

The L-2 visa allows the dependent spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age of qualified L-1 visa holders to enter into the U.S.

How long is an I-765 valid for?

There is an option to submit a new Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with copies of the required supporting documents and the receipt for the original application at the Service Centre closest. Based on this, the applicant will receive an Employment Authorization document which is valid for 240 days while the USCIS processes the two year employment authorization document.

When did L-2 status change?

Before 2002 , a person in L-2 status was not authorized to work in the United States. In 2002, the law was changed and the spouse of a person with L-1A or L-1B status were allowed to request authorization to work in the United States.

Is there a limit on the nature of an employment authorization?

There is no limit on the nature of the authorized employment. The USCIS refers to this as 'open market' employment authorization.

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

If the applicants spouse qualifies for L-1 status, they can apply for a change of status from H-4 to L-2 status and the spouse from H-1B to L-1 status. To obtain work authorization, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, together with Form I-539, Application for Change or Extension of Status.

Can an L-2 visa be renewed?

Renewals. L-2 status may be renewed and extended within the United States when the L-1 visa is renewed. Renewal in the United States applies to status only, not the actual visa in the passport. For visa renewal, the applicant must go to a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the United States. An alien cannot leave the United States ...

What is an L2 visa?

The L2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for the United States that is issued to the dependent family members of the L1 visa holders. The eligible family members include the husband or wife of the L1 visa holders and their children who are under the age of 21.

How long does a L2 visa last?

The validity of the L2 visa is the same as that of the L1 visa holders. It expires as soon as the L1 visa expires. In the case of the dependent visa of L1A visa holders, the validity is up to 7 years, and in the case of the dependent visa of L1B visa holders with the validity of the visa being up to 5 years.

How long does it take to get a green card for L2 visa?

However, it may take many months or even years of processing time for their petition to be approved.

How long does it take to get a L2 visa?

The processing time for the L2 visa takes about 15 days to one month depending on the case. It is best advised that the visa is applied at the same time as that of the L1 visa which makes the process much easier when it comes to proving the dependency of the applicant on the L1 visa holder.

Who issues the L1 visa approval notice?

The copy of the L1 visa holder’s petition approval notice as issued by the USCIS.

Can my husband and wife apply for L2 visa?

Your husband or wife (spouse) and your children are eligible to apply for the L2 visa.

Can L2 kids go to school?

The children who are on L2 can attend school in the US on a full-time basis.

What you need to know about the L2 Visa

The L2 visa is meant for the spouse and children of an L1 visa holder. The L2 visa enables them to go with the L1 visa holder to the US.

FAQs

What are the restrictions on children of the L1 holder for the L2 visa ?

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

What is a US L2 visa?

The US L2 visa is issued to spouse and children under the age of 21 who have an L1 visa. Parents, grandparents, and other family members who hold an L1 visa cannot apply for an L2 visa. These people can only visit them in the United States with a B2 visitor visa. Read B visas (B1, B2, B1/B2) for foreign tourists to know more about US B visa requirements. L2 spouses must be legally married to L1 visa holders. Their children must also be unmarried and under the age of 21.

What is the difference between L1 and L2 visas?

The US L1 visa is a type of temporary work permit for people who will work in a subsidiary of their company in the US or transferees. The people who have specialized knowledge or will work in managerial positions will receive an L1 visa. The applicants who want to be qualified for the L1 visa need to:

What questions are asked in the US L2 visa interview?

Participation in the interview is part of the pre-visa process. The USA L2 visa interview questions include questions regarding:

How can the US L2 visa be extended?

If the L1 visa is renewed, the holder of the L2 visa will be eligible to be extended. To renew the visa, I-539 must be submitted to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS (Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Nonimmigrant Status). If the extension is approved, the dependents of L1A visa holders can stay and work in the United States for up to 7 years. The spouse and children of L1B visa holders can also stay in this country for up to 5 years.

Can the L2 visa status be changed?

Since the terms of the L2 visa depend on the L1 visa, it is a bit difficult to change its status to other visas. To change the status of your visa, you can consider the following:

Can L2 visa holders apply for a Green Card?

As mentioned earlier, the terms of the L2 visa depend on the terms of the L1 visa. Therefore, if the L1 visa holder applies for a Green Card, you as a dependent of the L-1 visa holder will be eligible to apply for it. L visas are dual intent. This means to apply for them; you do not have to prove that you intend to return to your home country.

What is L2 EAD visa in USA?

The EAD or Employment Authorization Document is the authorization that the spouses who hold an L 2 visa must receive to work for an employer in the US.

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).

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 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.

What is an I-94?

Copy of your I-94 – This document proves your legal entry into the U.S.

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).

Overview

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.

Employment with L-2 Visa

Renewals

The L-2 visa

Privileges

Allowable length of stay

How to apply

Length of processing