1. What is an L2 Visa?
The L2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of individuals holding an L1 visa. The L1 visa is issued to foreign nationals who are transferring to the U.S. for work with a multinational company. The L2 visa allows the dependents of L1 visa holders to accompany them to the United States.
L2 visa holders are allowed to live in the U.S. for the same duration as the L1 visa holder, and spouses of L1 visa holders may apply for work authorization. Children, however, are not allowed to work but can attend school or college in the U.S.
2. Who is Eligible for an L2 Visa?
To qualify for an L2 visa, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria. The L2 visa is available to:
- Spouses of L1 visa holders: You must be legally married to the L1 visa holder.
- Unmarried children under 21: Dependent children of L1 visa holders are eligible as long as they are under 21 and unmarried.
Unlike the L1 visa, which is reserved for individuals transferring within multinational companies, the L2 visa is specifically designed for their dependents to live with them in the United States.
3. What Rights Do L2 Visa Holders Have?
L2 visa holders enjoy several rights and privileges during their stay in the United States, including:
- Right to live in the U.S.: L2 visa holders can reside in the U.S. for the duration of the L1 visa holder’s stay.
- Education: L2 dependent children can attend public or private schools, colleges, or universities in the U.S. without needing a separate student visa.
- Work authorization for spouses: L2 spouses can apply for work authorization (Employment Authorization Document or EAD), which allows them to work in any field of their choice, either full-time or part-time.
While children cannot work under the L2 visa, they can attend school and benefit from the U.S. education system during their stay.
4. How to Apply for an L2 Visa
The process of applying for an L2 visa is relatively straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Complete the DS-160 form: Each applicant (spouse and children) must fill out the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form. The form collects essential details, including personal information, the reason for travel, and the relationship to the L1 visa holder.
- Pay the visa application fee: Each L2 visa applicant is required to pay the non-immigrant visa application fee, which is currently $185 (subject to change).
- Schedule a visa interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 are typically not required to attend the interview.
- Prepare supporting documents: You will need to gather the following documents for the L2 visa application:
- Valid passport.
- Confirmation page of the DS-160 form.
- Visa fee payment receipt.
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificates (for children) to prove the relationship to the L1 visa holder.
- A copy of the L1 visa holder’s I-797 Approval Notice and L1 visa.
- Attend the visa interview: At the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about your relationship to the L1 visa holder, your intended stay in the U.S., and other relevant details.
Once the visa is approved, your passport will be returned with the L2 visa stamp, allowing you to travel to the U.S.
5. Required Documents for the L2 Visa Application
When applying for an L2 visa, it’s important to have all necessary documents ready. These include:
- Valid passport: A passport with at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
- DS-160 form confirmation page: The online non-immigrant visa application form must be completed for each applicant.
- Visa fee receipt: Proof of payment for the non-immigrant visa application fee.
- Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate for spouses and birth certificates for children to establish your connection to the L1 visa holder.
- Copy of the L1 visa holder’s documents: The L1 visa holder’s I-797 Approval Notice and a copy of their L1 visa.
- Passport-sized photo: Ensure the photo meets U.S. visa photo requirements.
Providing these documents helps ensure a smooth application process and reduces the likelihood of delays.
6. Work Authorization for L2 Visa Holders
One of the most significant advantages of the L2 visa is that spouses of L1 visa holders can apply for work authorization in the U.S. Here’s how to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD):
- File Form I-765: The L2 visa holder must submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Submit required documents: Along with the I-765 form, the applicant must provide:
- Copy of the L2 visa.
- Passport-size photos.
- Copy of the L1 visa holder’s documents, such as the I-94 form and L1 visa approval.
- Pay the application fee: There is an application fee for the EAD, currently $410 (subject to change).
Once the EAD is approved, the L2 visa holder is free to work in any industry or field, including starting their own business. The work authorization is valid for the same duration as the L1 visa.
7. How Long is the L2 Visa Valid?
The L2 visa is valid for the same duration as the L1 visa, meaning that dependents can stay in the U.S. as long as the L1 visa holder maintains their status. L2 visa holders can also renew their visa in line with the L1 visa holder’s status renewal.
If the L1 visa holder’s stay is extended through an L1 visa renewal or extension, the L2 visa holder can apply for a similar extension to remain in the U.S.
8. Can L2 Visa Holders Study in the USA?
Yes, L2 visa holders are allowed to study in the U.S. without needing to apply for a separate student visa. Both spouses and children can enroll in full-time or part-time education, whether it’s at elementary school, high school, college, or university.
Unlike many other dependent visa categories, L2 visa holders can attend school without having to switch to an F1 student visa, making it a flexible option for families looking to stay long-term.
9. Traveling In and Out of the U.S. on an L2 Visa
L2 visa holders can travel freely in and out of the United States as long as their visa remains valid. However, it’s important to:
- Carry essential documents: Always have your valid L2 visa and passport when re-entering the U.S.
- Ensure visa validity: Make sure your L2 visa has not expired and is still valid for re-entry.
L2 visa holders should be aware of the expiration dates of their visa and the primary L1 visa holder’s status to avoid complications during travel.
10. Can L2 Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?
Yes, L2 visa holders are eligible to apply for a Green Card (permanent residency) if the L1 visa holder is applying for a Green Card. The Green Card application process for L2 dependents is typically straightforward, as they can be included in the L1 visa holder’s employment-based immigration petition.
Once the L1 visa holder’s Green Card is approved, the L2 visa holders (spouse and children) can also become permanent residents of the U.S.
Conclusion
The L2 visa is an excellent option for the spouses and children of L1 visa holders to live and thrive in the U.S. While L2 visa holders enjoy the benefits of living in the U.S., spouses can also work and children can attend school, providing flexibility for families. Understanding the eligibility requirements, application process, and work authorization options is key to making the most of your time in the U.S. under the L2 visa.