USA L2 Visa: A Complete Guide For Dependents Of L1 Visa Holders

The L-2 visa is a U.S. document for dependents of L-1 visa holders. It lets spouse and unmarried children under 21 live with them in the U.S. It's linked to the L-1 status of the family member working in the U.S.

It's a non-immigrant visa that stays valid as long as the L1 visa holder's status is good. Want to know more about the L2 Visa? Keep reading further.

What is an L2 Visa?

The L2 Visa is for spouses and children of those who hold an L1 Visa. It allows them to join their family member in the US. Only legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify.

Note: Other relatives like parents or siblings cannot apply.

With an L2 Visa, spouses can also work in the US by applying for a work permit once they arrive. They can start job hunting after USCIS approves their application.

Who can apply?

The L1 visa holder's family members who can apply include their spouse and children. Children must be under 21 years old to qualify.

Benefits of L2 Visa

• Live in the U.S. as long as the L-1 visa holder does
• Work full-time with USCIS permission
• Study full-time in the U.S.
• Travel freely in and out of the U.S.

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Requirements of L2 Visa

• The L2 Visa is for dependents of L1 visa holders in the US.
• Eligibility requires being legally married to an L1 visa holder or being an unmarried child under 21 years old of an L1 visa holder.
• If you don't meet these criteria but want to join your family in the US, consider other visa options like the B2 Tourist Visitor Visa. The B2 visa allows holiday visits but doesn't permit work.

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L2 Visa Holder Rights

With an L2 Visa, you can:

• Study part or full-time at a US school
• Work part or full-time with an Employment Authorization Document
• Travel within the US
• Travel abroad and return to the US while your L2 Visa is valid
• Open a US bank account
• Switch to another US visa.
• You may also seek an adjustment of status and apply for a US Green Card to live in the US permanently.

Documents Required

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How to Apply?

Applying for an L2 Visa involves the following steps:

• Complete the DS-160 Online Non-immigrant Visa Application: Start by filling out the DS-160 form online. This form collects your personal information and details about your planned trip to the US. After completing the form, you'll receive a confirmation page which you need to print and keep for your records.
• Pay the Application Fee: The application fee for the DS-160 form is $185 (INR 15,436.78). Additionally, depending on your nationality, you may need to pay other fees. Ensure you make the payment online before proceeding with your application.
• Schedule a Visa Interview: Once you've paid the application fee, you can schedule a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in your home country. This interview is a crucial step in the application process and must be attended to receive your visa.
• Submit Documents: Gather and submit these documents for your L-2 visa application:
  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Passport-style photograph meeting USA visa requirements.
  • Receipts confirming payment of fees.
  • Appointment confirmation letter.
  • DS-160 confirmation page.
  • Copies of Form I-129 (or Form I-129S for L blanket petitions) and Form I-797 of the L-1 visa holder.
  • Copies of the L-1 visa holder's passport and visa.
  • Employer letter detailing the L-1 visa holder's job description.
  • Letters from previous employers of the L-1 visa holder.
  • Proof of relationship, such as birth certificates for children or genuine marriage proof for spouses, including:
    • Original marriage certificate
    • Wedding album
    • Wedding invitation and venue details
    • Wedding receipts
    • Honeymoon itinerary
    • Marriage registry photos and documents.
  • Pay slips of the L-1 visa holder if they are already in the US.
• Attend the Biometrics Appointment: Before your visa interview, you'll need to attend a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre. During this appointment, officials will collect your fingerprints, photos, and any other required information.
• Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the embassy or consulate. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information provided in your application and determine your eligibility for the L2 visa. Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship with the L1 visa holder and your plans in the US.
• Await Visa Approval: If your visa is approved, the consular officer will inform you at the end of the interview. Typically, you can expect to receive your L2 visa within 10 business days after the interview. Once approved, you'll be able to join the L1 visa holder in the US.

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Related FAQs

Can I work on the L2 Visa?

The latest admission code reflects a USCIS policy shift from November 2021, acknowledging that L-dependent spouses are now authorized to work based on their status alone, eliminating the requirement for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), i.e. work permit.

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L-2 Visa Interview Questions

As part of the L-2 visa process, applicants must attend an interview where they'll face various questions. These questions are crucial for visa approval. Some common ones are:

• Who applied for the visa and where?
• Who scheduled the interview?
• When and where did you marry?
• When did you first meet your spouse?
• Where do you currently reside?
• Who will cover your trip expenses to the U.S.?
• Who will provide support during your stay in the U.S.?
• Do you have any relatives or friends in the U.S.?
• Where does your spouse work?
• What is your spouse's occupation?
• How long has your spouse been working with their employer?
• Has your spouse applied for a green card?

Processing Time of L2 Visa

Generally, processing for the L2 Visa takes about 30 days after you've submitted all necessary documents and attended the visa interview. However, if there's a high volume of applications or appointments at the US Consulate or Embassy, the wait time might be longer.

Validity of L2 Visa

The L-2 visa's duration matches the L-1 visa it depends on. For L-1A dependents, it's up to 7 years, and for L-1B dependents, it's up to 5 years. You can renew it along with the L-1 visa holder's extension while in the U.S. If your L-2 visa expires while you're outside the U.S., you must renew it before returning. The renewal process may take a few weeks, depending on embassy or consulate workload.

L2 Visa Renewal

L-2 status can be renewed within the US along with the renewal of the L-1 visa. However, this renewal only applies to the status, not the physical visa in the passport.

To renew the visa itself, the applicant must visit a US consulate or embassy outside the country. Leaving the US without a valid L-1 or L-2 visa means the person must appear in person before a consular officer for visa issuance, which can cause difficulties as it requires leaving the US until the new visa is issued.

This process can take several weeks or more, especially during busy times or at certain consulates or embassies.

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Related FAQs

Can I go from an L-2 visa to a Green Card?

Yes, you can. Since the L visas are dual intent, you don’t need to prove your intent to return home. If the L-1 visa holder (your spouse or parent) applies for a Green Card, you can apply as well. If their Green Card is approved, you are eligible for one too.

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

If a decision isn’t made during your interview, your application might be pending administrative processing. The consular office may need more information to complete this process. They will inform you of the next steps, including which documents and information to provide before your deadline.

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L-2 Visa Rejection Rate

USCIS usually approves L-2 visas if you provide all required documents. However, if your application is for any reason other than accompanying your family member, it may be rejected or revoked.

L2 Visa Application Tips

Keep these tips in mind when applying for an L2 visa:

1. Name Clarity: Ensure your Last Name and Given Name are clearly indicated when filling out the application and scheduling your visa interview. For example, South Indian names often appear in one line; make sure to separate them into First and Last names.
2. Passport Name: Check your passport. If your whole name is on one line, have it corrected at the passport office before applying for the visa.
3. Simultaneous Applications: You and your L1 spouse can submit your L1 and L2 visa applications together if applying at the same time.
4. Spouse’s Name: It's advisable to have your spouse’s name endorsed on your passport beforehand.
5. Name Change: If your last name changed after marriage, update your passport before applying. Otherwise, you will have to use your maiden name.
6. Marriage Photos: Ensure your wedding album has clear, identifiable photos of both bride and groom, including key marriage rituals (e.g., the agni ceremony for Hindu marriages).
7. Check for Errors: Upon receiving your visa, verify all details (name, date of birth, type of visa, validity date) for any mistakes.

Can I Change My Status on an L-2 Visa?

Changing status from an L-2 visa to another type is challenging but possible. You can:

• Apply separately for an L-1 visa if you qualify.
• Get an employer to sponsor you for an H-1B visa.

If your spouse or parent switches to a different visa, like an H-1B, you must change to the corresponding dependent visa (H-4).

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Other FAQs

What is an L2 visa?

The L2 visa is a non-immigrant visa. It allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of L1 visa holders to enter the United States.

What is the L2 visa type?

The L2 visa type is a dependent visa. It is specifically for family members of L1 visa holders.

How do you get a tourist visa to the US from India?

To get a tourist visa (B1/B2) to the US from India, you need to:

• Complete the DS-160 form online.
• Pay the visa application fee.
• Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
• Attend the visa interview with the required documents.

How much does it cost to apply for the L2 visa?

The application fee for an L2 visa is $185. Additional fees may apply for visa issuance depending on the applicant’s nationality.

Can the green card be achieved for the L2 visa candidate?

Yes, L2 visa holders can apply for a green card. If the L1 visa holder (principal) applies for and obtains a green card, the L2 visa holder can also apply for one as their dependent.

How will the L2 visa help to work in the country?

L2 visa holders can work in the US after obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Do L2 visa holders need to report a change of address to authorities?

Yes, L2 visa holders must report any change of address to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 10 days of moving.

What are the new policy changes for E dependent and L2 spouse visa holders?

As of November 12, 2021, USCIS stated that E and L2 spouse visa holders can work in the U.S. without needing an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if they hold L2 or E status.

How to extend a B2 visa beyond 6 months for parents?

To extend a B2 visa, file Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) before the current authorized stay expires. Provide a valid reason for the extension and supporting documentation.

Does an L1 dependent need to complete an IELTS course for EAD eligibility?

No, completing an IELTS course is not required for L2 dependents to be eligible for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

What is the L2 visa tax filing requirement?

L2 visa holders must follow US tax laws, which may include filing a tax return if they have income. They may need to file as residents or non-residents, depending on their situation.

Which is better, L1 or L2 visa?

It’s not about which is better, as they serve different purposes. The L1 visa is for employees transferred within a company, while the L2 visa is for their dependents.

What is the L2 visa medical examination requirement?

There is no specific medical examination requirement for the L2 visa itself, but a medical examination may be required if the L2 visa holder adjusts their status to a permanent resident.

Can L2 visa holders attend school in the United States?

Yes, L2 visa holders can attend school in the United States.

What is the L2 visa-dependent requirement?

The primary requirement is that the applicant must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of a valid L1 visa holder.

What are the restrictions of an L2 visa?

L2 visa holders must maintain their status by not violating visa terms. They must also renew their visa before it expires.

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