L2 Visa

The L-2 dependent visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows the dependent spouse and children under 21 of a principal L-1 visa holder to enter, live and study in the U.S. The L-1 visa category includes the L-1A, L-1B and L-1 Blanket visas.

On L-2 visa, you can:

1. Enter the U.S. along with your spouse or join him/her later
2. Reside in the U.S. for the duration of the L-1 visa holder’s authorized duration of stay
3. Engage in full-time study in the U.S
4. Travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. continuously as long as your spouse maintains their status
5. If you are an L-2 Spouse you may work on a full-time basis in the U.S.

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Check My Eligibility

Your L-2 status generally depends on the status of the principal L-1 visa status. For example, an L-1A visa holder is generally granted status for 3 years at first and is eligible for an extension in 2 year increments with a maximum stay of 7 years. Therefore, if your spouse’s L-1A status expires in 3 years, your L-2 status will expire in 3 years as well.

L-1B visa holders are generally granted status for a period of 3 years at first and is eligible for a 2 year extension with a maximum stay of 5 years.

It’s also important to remember that if the L-1worker loses their status, the L-2 dependent loses their status as well.

L-2 spouses are authorized to work in the U.S. The L-2 spouse must ensure that their Form I-94 has listed their status as “L-2S” to distinguish from an L-2 child. Once an L-2 spouse enters the country, they can immediately apply for a social security number and can immediately being looking for a job.

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

Yes, you may study on an L-2 visa at any grade level, including pursuing higher education at the college/university level. You need not apply for the F-1 student visa.

No, there are no general travel restrictions for L-2 visa holders. You may travel as many times as possible while you are in L-2 status and if you have a valid L-2 visa in your passport.

Note: Citizens of certain countries are subject to reciprocity rules which may limit the duration of an H-4 visa or control how many times a single visa can be used for travel.

You apply for L-2 visa by submitting:

1. The Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Electronic Visa Application
2. One recent color photograph two inches square (50mm x 50mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering
3. A passport, valid for travel to the U.S. for at least six months longer than your intended visit
4. A copy of the marriage certificate in case you are a dependent spouse
5. Birth certificate in case you are a dependent child below 21 years of age
6. If your spouse has obtained an L-1A or L-1B petition approval, a copy of the Form I-797, Notice of Action Approval Notice and a copy of the L-1 visa in their passport (if applicable) or

If your spouse has obtained an L-1A or L-1B Blanket visa, a copy of their L-1 Blanket Visa.

If you maintain valid nonimmigrant status in the U.S., you can change your status to L-2 by submitting the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You can file the L-2 Change of Status along with the L-1 principal applicant or once they have obtained L-1 status.

The L-2 Change of Status should be submitted with the following documents:

1. Evidence of the H applicant’s valid status (Form I-797, Notice of Approval from the USCIS, Form I-94, and pay stubs (if applicable)
2. Evidence of your relationship (marriage certificate if you’re the spouse, birth certificate if you’re a child under 21)
3. Copy of your passport, and valid nonimmigrant status in the U.S. (visa, any relevant USCIS approval notices, I-94, and any other documents indicating valid status in the U.S.)

No, your time in the U.S. on an L-2 visa will not count against the maximum allowable time for H-1B or L-1. You will be eligible for the maximum amount of time under either visa category.

No, you do not need to apply for Advance Parole if you are a valid L-2 visa holder and wish to travel internationally. This is true as long as you maintain valid L-2 nonimmigrant status.

No, you do not need to apply for Advance Parole if you are a valid L-2 visa holder and wish to travel internationally. This is true as long as you maintain nonimmigrant status.

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.

There is currently no Premium Processing available separately for the Form I-539 for L-2. If you submit your application concurrently with your spouse’s L-1 petition, however, and Premium Processing is selected for the Form I-129 petition, USCIS does process the L-2 application at the same time, as a courtesy.