Spouses and unmarried children (under 21) of L-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for L-2 visas. The L-2 visa allows you to accompany your loved one to the United States. It is a non-immigrant visa that will enable dependents of L-1 visa holders to reside in the U.S. and even work in some instances.
This blog covers the requirements for the L-2 visa, the documents required for L-2 dependent visa, and important details about employment eligibility, SSN, and visa extensions.
Who Can Apply for an L-2 Visa?
The following individuals are eligible for this visa:
- Spouses of L-1 visa holders
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of L-1 visa holders
L-2 dependents are generally granted the same period of stay as the L-1 visa holder.
Documents Required for L-2 Visa
Here is a list of documents required for L-2 dependent visa:
- Valid passport
- Completed DS-160 form (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Passport-style photographs
- Proof of relationship to the L-1 holder, such as:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- L-1 visa holder’s documents:
- Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Form I-797 (Approval Notice)
- Form I-129S (for blanket petitions)
- Proof of employment for the L-1 holder, such as an offer letter, pay slips, or employer letter
- Visa appointment confirmation and payment receipts
These are the same documents required for L-2 visa stamping.
L-2 Blanket Visa
Some organizations establish the intracompany relationship by submitting a blanket L-1 petition. Once this blanket petition is approved, individual employees may receive an L-1 classification based on the approved blanket petition.
There are additional documents required for L-2 blanket visa under a blanket L-1 petition. In addition to the usual documents, they must submit Form I-129S (Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition).
L-2 Visa Extension Process
If you are applying to extend your L-2 visa, you must present the following documents required for L-2 visa extension:
- Valid passport
- Current and previous Forms I-94
- Copy of L-1 visa holder’s latest
- Form I-797
- Marriage or birth certificate (as applicable)
- Proof of continued relationship and U.S. residence
- Evidence that the L-1 holder is still employed with the sponsoring employer
EAD Requirements for L-2 Visa (Employment Authorization)
L-2 spouses are eligible to work in the U.S. They can either:
- Work incident to status (with an L-2S I-94 code) or
- Apply for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
Documents Required for EAD (L-2 Visa)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Filing fee
- Copy of I-94 showing L-2 or L-2S status
- Passport and current visa
- Marriage certificate
- Two passport-sized photos
- These are some of the EAD requirements for L-2 visa.
SSN Document Requirements for L-2 Visa Holders
Documents required for SSN for L-2 visa holders include:
- Valid, unexpired passport
- I-94 with L-2 or L-2S status
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of employment authorization (EAD or I-94 with L-2S)
- Completed SSN application form (Form SS-5)
Period of Stay
L-2 visa holders are granted the same period of stay as the L-1 principal visa holder. If the L-1’s employment ends or changes in a way that disqualifies the visa, the L-2 status also becomes invalid.
Can L-2 Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?
If eligible through family or employment-based categories, l-2 visa holders can apply for a green card. L-1 and L-2 are “dual intent” visas, allowing immigrants to apply for permanent residency while on nonimmigrant status.
Why You Should Consult an Immigration Attorney
The L-2 visa opens opportunities for spouses and children of L-1 workers to join them in the U.S., enjoy the American lifestyle, and work if eligible. Having the professional assistance of an immigration attorney can aid your application.
Visit Immigration Question today to connect with an experienced attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions About L-2 Visas
1. Is EAD required for L-2 visa holders to work in the U.S.?
EAD is not required for L-2 visa holders who are spouses and have an I-94 with the L-2S designation. This automatically grants them work authorization. However, if your I-94 does not show “L-2S,” then EAD is required for L-2 visa holders to work.
2. Is AR-11 required for L-2 visa holders?
All non-U.S. citizens, including L-2 visa holders, must file Form AR-11 (Alien’s Change of Address Card) with USCIS within 10 days of moving to a new address in the U.S. It is required to comply with U.S. immigration laws.
3. Is LCA required for L-2 visa holders?
LCA (Labor Condition Application) is not required for L-2 visa holders. The LCA is specific to H-1B visas, not L-2 dependents. L-2 spouses can work in any job category if they’re work-authorized through automatic status (L-2S) or an approved EAD.
4. Can L-2 visa holders apply for SSN?
L-2 visa holders with work authorization can apply for a Social Security Number.
5. Can L-2 visa children work or get an EAD?
Children on L-2 visas cannot work and are not eligible for EAD. Employment benefits are only for L-2 spouses.
6. How long is the L-2 visa valid?
Your L-2 visa will be valid as long as the primary L1 visa holder maintains valid status. You must also apply for extensions accordingly.
7. What is the list of documents required for L-2 visa interview
There are some essential documents required to apply for L-2 visa. These are the same documents required for L-2 visa interview:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 form (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Passport-style photographs
- Proof of relationship to the L-1 holder
- L-1 visa holder’s documents
- Proof of employment for the L-1 holder
- Visa appointment confirmation and payment receipts
