L2 visa work permit I've been reading on some websites that she will need to apply for the EAD as soon as she gets into the US and have it approved before she can work. Hey! I just moved to the US as a L2 Visa holder (“child” because I’m below 21 yo) and having a hard time in relation to getting work authorization… it seems that L2 spouses get automatic (or kind of) work authorization, but I read in some sources that L2 cannot apply for an EAD. This guide explains everything you need to know about L2 visa work authorization, how to apply for it, and An L1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows a foreign national to work in the United States for a specific employer, while an L2 visa is a dependent visa that allows spouses and unmarried minor children of an L1 visa holder to accompany them and reside in the US. Find out the eligibility, benefits, and limitations of L2 visa for dependents. , with the added benefit of being able to work and study. If the L-2 visa expires sooner than your EAD validity will be the same. A spouse in L-2 status who wants to work must obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). One of the biggest advantages of the L-2 visa is that spouses can apply for work authorization, allowing them to legally work in the U. Unlike many visa categories, you don’t need to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally in the U. Mar 28, 2022 · Learn how Marsh McLennan successfully boosts staff well-being with digital tools, improving productivity and work satisfaction for more than 20,000 employees. L2 dependent children, however, do not have employment authorization. for the duration of the L1 visa holder’s stay. Jan 27, 2020 · L2 Visa children. In November 2021, the law was further amended to allow qualified spouses to be automatically given an EAD by way of the L-2S designation when successfully applying for L-2 The primary difference between these three visa categories is the type of visa that the family member is dependent upon in order to receive their own visa; H-4 visas are dependent on H-1B visas, L-2 visas are dependent on L-1 visas, and O-3 visas are dependent on O-1 and O-2 visas. Work in the U. dhs. Oct 24, 2024 · 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. This . Feb 12, 2022 · Automatic EAD Work Permits & Extensions For L2 & H4 Visa Holders Effective November 12, 2021, USCIS allows for automatic extensions of employment authorization, in certain circumstances, while an EAD renewal application has been filed and is pending with USCIS for H-4, L-2, and now E-1/E-2/E-3 dependent (“E dependent”) spouses. Apr 7, 2022 · Like I just mentioned above, if you have a work permit or the EAD, you are not restricted to any one kind of employment. File for EAD card. The L2 visa allows the dependents of L1 visa holders to accompany them to the Sep 22, 2022 · If you are the spouse of an l1 visa holder, you may be eligible for a visa l2 work permit. Wait for the EAD card to be issued. If you are not a citizen or a lawful permanent resident, you may need to prove that you can work in the United States by presenting an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766/EAD). I-765 (EAD) Some posters may claim to work for USCIS, which may or may not be Jan 13, 2025 · What Is the L2 Visa? The L2 visa is a dependent visa granted to the immediate family members of L1 visa holders in the U. This permit lasts two years, and as long as your visa is still valid, you can keep it going or make it longer if needed. How can I apply for a work visa for my spouse or dependent? The U. Color photocopy of a government-issued photo-ID, such as a clear and legible copy of a state-issued driver’s license or the identity pages from the L-2’s passport, or the L-2 visa; and Filing fee (a personal check is acceptable, made payable to “U. Find out about the eligibility criteria, required documentation, application procedures, and recent policy changes that simplify the process. According to Wasden, the USCIS does have a regulation that allows for the automatic extension of work permits under certain circumstances. government? I understand she will need to apply for the L2 Spouse visa. 00. This article will tell you everything you need to know about the visa l2 work permit, including who is eligible, what the requirements are, what documents are needed, and the step-by-step process to obtain it. 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. Mar 28, 2024 · Securing employment in the United States as an L2 visa holder offers a unique set of opportunities and challenges. HR Daily Newsletter L-2 Dependent Visa: How to Apply for L-2 Visa Work Permit. May 10, 2025 · Do you need an L2 visa work permit? L2 visa-holders must be able to prove their valid L2 status, or they could risk deportation and a possible ban on re-entering the United States. Oct 30, 2024 · Quick Hits. Although a separate petition is not required of L-2 dependents, such persons must apply for an L-2 visa at the U. The L-2 visa EAD work permit is typically valid for a period of two years since it is contingent on the L-2 visa (which is subsequently valid based on the primary L1 visa holder’s status). The L2 visa allows dependents to: Reside in the U. Feb 24, 2021 · DEPENDENT WORK AUTHORIZATION REQUESTS Dependents of certain diplomats (A1 and A2 visa holders), representatives of international organizations (IO), (G1, G3, and G4 visa holders), and dependents of NATO visa holders accredited to the Department of State (DoS) must obtain employment authorization before they may lawfully work in the United States. If the L1 visa is extended, then the L2 dependent is also eligible for extensions. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the L-2 visa work permit (Employment Authorization Document - EAD Learn how to get a work permit (EAD) for L2 visa spouses, how to extend or change L2 visa status, and how to apply for a green card with L1 visa holders. The L-1 visa category includes the L-1A, L-1B and L-1 Blanket visas. An L2 visa may be obtained by an L1 visa holder’s spouse and minor children. I moved with my husband on L2 Visa (my I-94 says L2-S). Dec 21, 2023 · Learn how to obtain work authorization on an L-2 visa and what types of jobs you can pursue in the U. Mar 18, 2022 · This notice, along with an unexpired Form I-94 reflecting E-1, E-2, E-3, E-3D, E-3R, or L-2 nonimmigrant status, will serve as evidence of employment authorization. Applicants must provide the required documentation, including proof of their relationship to the primary L-1 visa holder and evidence of the L-1 holder Jun 14, 2023 · As of November 12, 2021, USCIS considers certain E-1, E-2, E-3 and L-2 nonimmigrant dependent spouses employment authorized incident to status. Work Permit Processing. Dec 11, 2023 · L-2 Visa Work Permit Validity Period. The basic steps for working on L2 visa are listed below. Therefore, I had decided to transfer my visa to L2. Submit the form along with the required fee and supporting documents to USCIS. Learn who is eligible, what documents are required, and how to submit Form I-765 online or by mail. The process of obtaining an L-2 visa and the subsequent work permit through Form I-765 involves several steps and requires interaction with the USCIS. Sep 6, 2023 · U. Feb 4, 2025 · L-2 Visa: Issued to dependents of L-1 visa holders, including spouses and unmarried children under 21. immigration laws under the INA, potentially resulting in termination of L2 status, deportation, and jeopardizing the L1 visa holder’s status. Work permit I-9 & L2-S . , and their dependents within the age of 21 years will be eligible for an L2 visa. One of the most attractive benefits of the L2 visa is the ability to work legally in the U. The visa is usually issued to foreign specialized workers who are going to be employed in a branch of their company in the U. Unfortunately, unless they obtain some other type of visa that enables them to work in the US, L2 visa children cannot work in the US. How Long is the L2 Visa Valid? An L2 visa is valid for as long as the L1 visa is valid. ” 8 USC § 1184(c)(10). Specifically, L-2 visa holders will no longer have to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD). The CBP admission codes are set out below: “L2S” for spouse of L1A or L1B visa holders. Feb 2, 2025 · Consequences of Unauthorized Activities. The L visa is a “dual intent” visa, meaning Apr 20, 2022 · Mayorkas. (for spouses). The world is your oyster. consulate based on the L-1 principal’s petition, or they can file an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status . However, an L-1 visa-holder spouse can only work for the United States-based employer that filed their petition. Dec 13, 2024 · The DHS announced an automatic extension of work permit renewals for H-4 and L-2 visa holders from 180 to 540 days, starting January 13, 2025, benefiting many, especially Indian nationals. ? Yes, L-2 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the U. L1 is for the intra-company transfer of employees who have worked for a company that has a branch in the U. gov to request a notice. However, spousal immigration is the only immigration with the right to apply for a work Feb 24, 2025 · L1 dependent visa work FAQs Can L1 L-2 visa dependent work? L2 spouses can work in the US, provided they, and the principal L1 visa holder, have a valid visa. Jan 30, 2025 · Learn how to obtain and renew work authorization as an L2 visa holder, who is the spouse of an L1 visa holder. Nov 22, 2024 · Understanding L-2S Work Authorization. Certain aliens aliens who are in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Many L-2 visa holders qualify for work and study opportunities in the US. through the L2 visa work authorization, also known as Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The benefits of acquiring an L-2 visa allow you to access the following privileges: Dec 1, 2021 · e・l-2・h-4ビザ保持者の就労許可は、以下の2つの条件を両方満たすことができる場合に限り、有効な滞在期限まで、就労許可更新申請の結果が出るまで、あるいは現在有効なeadの有効期限が切れてから最長180日のうち、どちらか短い期間に限り、自動的に Customer: I am an l2 visa holder with my work permit expiring on 3/14/23 my husbands firm is filing my i539 but says that I don’t need EAD renewal to work, the i797 notice of receipt for my i539 would be valid for work is that correct Lawyer's Assistant: What steps have you taken? Have you filed any paperwork with the U. Jan 17, 2025 · L2 Visa Work Permit means that dependents of L1 visa holders are allowed to work in the United States of US legally. You can even work as a freelancer as well as own a business and do a job at the same time. If the holder of the L-1 Visa changes or switches their visa, the L-2 Visa holder must also do the same based on their category of visa. Apr 8, 2025 · Are authorized to work in the United States because of your immigration status or circumstances (for example, you are an asylee, refugee, or U nonimmigrant) and need evidence of that employment authorization, or; Are required to apply for permission to work (that is, you need to request employment authorization itself) because: Feb 10, 2022 · USCIS has been experiencing lengthy delays in processing Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applications in the last few years. L2 spouses may also work while they study. on an intracompany transfer basis. S. You can have multiple jobs, or you can also have multiple businesses or side hustles. “E2S” for spouses of E2 visa holders. So long as your L-2 visa remains valid, you can renew or extend the EAD as needed. L-2 children, however, are not eligible for an EAD. L-2 holders can also apply for other nonimmigrant statuses, including H-1, F-1, B-1, and B-2 visas, among others. In response to numerous inquiries following my previous article, "Navigating the Usually, you can work anywhere in the US with an L-2 visa as long as your work permit is already good. The L-2 visa is a dependent visa granted to the spouse and children (under 21 years) of L-1 visa holders working in the United States. L2 spouses and L2 children may study at a US educational institution either full time or part time. Department of Homeland Security”) in the amount of $410. After this change, when L-2 and E dependent visa holders go through CBP ports of entry, their I-94 travel admission document will have an “S” status, indicating that they are an L or E visa dependent who is authorized to work in the United States. Oct 1, 2021 · However, USCIS makes L2 visa holders apply for a work permit, making them wait without a job for 10 – 15 months, until the application is reviewed,” Wasden added. In the U. You may apply for Feb 15, 2022 · The guidance is intended to formalize the new policy of allowing spouses of E and L visa holders to work incident to status. Jun 17, 2023 · The L-2 Visa is designed for dependents of L-1 Visa holders. The L2 Visa allows spouse holders to work, although children of L1 visa holders do not qualify to work, only spouses do. This is called an L2 visa work Jan 16, 2024 · The EAD is valid for two years. Jun 25, 2019 · I got released from my project and didn’t have any employer to sponsor. Also, I want to relocate to my spouse’s place. This is because all US employers are legally required to verify that anyone they employ is authorized to accept and undertake work in the United States. What is the processing time for an L-2 Visa? Aug 16, 2022 · L-2 dependents are not included on the L-1 petition. The L1 visa is issued to foreign nationals who are transferring to the U. Aug 18, 2024 · Before delving into further details, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the L1 visa, as the L2S or L-2 visa is entirely dependent on the primary L1 visa holder. An approved EAD is required for an L2 visa holder to work in the US. If you are an E or L spouse and under 21, or if you have not received your notice by April 30, email E-L-married-U21@uscis. employers must check to make sure all employees, regardless of citizenship or national origin, are allowed to work in the United States. What is the L2 visa Processing Time? L2 visas take from 15 days to 1 month to be processed; however, depending on the Embassy’s workload and other factors, it might take longer. Apr 24, 2025 · L2 visa is a nonimmigrant classification for spouses and children of H-1B workers. As USCIS policy does not allow L-2 and E spouses to benefit from an automatic extension to their work authorization based on timely-filed extensions unless they hold an unexpired Form I-94, many L-2 and E spouses have been forced to stop working as a result of Application Process for Work Permit: Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). Limited Duration. Types of Jobs Allowed: With an EAD, L2 visa holders can work in any job, without restrictions, across the open market. Find out the key requirements, rules, and tips for L-2 visa holders who want to work legally and flexibly in the U. Can your spouse work on L1 visa? L1 visa spouses should apply for the L2 dependent visa, which allows the holder to 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. 2. Feb 14, 2022 · New Work Authorization Process for L-2 and E Dependent Visa Holders. Dependent spouses of L1 Visa holders can live and work in the U. Additional Benefits of an L-2 Visa. Learn about the eligibility, application process, and benefits of L2 visa on the official USCIS website. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS Mar 19, 2025 · One of the major benefits of the L2 visa is that it allows the spouse of the L1 visa holder to work in the U. My spouse was working in US on L1B visa. embassy or consulate. L2 visa and studying. Can L-2 Visa holders work in the U. Unauthorized employment violates U. I scheduled Biometrics on 19th Mar and Interview on 20th Mar at Chennai Consulate. If you're in the United States as the spouse of an L1 visa holder, you likely hold an L2 visa. L2 Visa Stamping in India – Chennai. L2 visa holders can also attend school, open bank accounts, and obtain a driver's license, making it easier for families to settle into their new environment. The former documentation In March 2022, USCIS announced it had updated its policy manual to reduce the administrative burden for L-2 visa holders – dependent spouses of L-1 intracompany transferees – looking for work. for work with a multinational company. An L2 visa holder may remain in the US as long as the L-1 visa holder remains in legal status. Find out the eligibility criteria, application process, interview tips, required documents, fees and processing time. you need to apply for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) before you can seek employment. Nov 11, 2021 · The Immigration and Nationality Act states “[DHS] shall authorize an [L-2 nonimmigrant] spouse to engage in employment in the United States and provide the spouse with an ‘employment authorized’ endorsement or other appropriate work permit. If you’re the spouse of an L-1 visa holder, you enjoy a significant benefit: automatic work authorization. Other aliens aliens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to apply to U. It lets families come together in the USA with a chance of family members to discover new working opportunities here. CBP will begin issuing I-94 admission records reflecting the new guidance. However I've read on a couple of reddit posts that a L2 Spouse no longer needs a EAD and can work without it with no restrictions etc. If the primary L1 visa holder loses their job or falls out of status, the L2 visa holder automatically becomes out of status as well. Working without proper authorization as an L2 visa holder can lead to serious legal consequences. under an L2 visa. L2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which can be held by the spouses or unmarried children under 21 years of age of the L1 visa holders to live, study, and work in the U. Jan 22, 2024 · The L-2 visa offers a valuable opportunity for the dependents of L-1 visa holders to join them in the U. While L-2 holders can apply for work authorization, the process can be lengthy and uncertain, delaying employment opportunities. [2] A person in L-2 status with an EAD is allowed to work for any employer. Apr 10, 2024 · L2 visa EAD is an Employment Authorization Document that allows L2 visa holders to work in the U. A group of H-4 and L-2 visa holders filed a lawsuit against the secretary of homeland security in April 2021, alleging that USCIS unlawfully delayed adjudicating their I-539 and I-765 L-2 holders are able to attend school, but in order to work legally, they must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Learn about the L-2 visa, a nonimmigrant visa for spouses and children of L-1 visa holders who want to work in the U. 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. This The L-2 visa status is tied to the L-1 holder; if their status changes or expires, the L-2 holder must leave the U. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Applying for an L-2 visa work permit involves submitting Form DS-160 online and scheduling an interview at a U. The visa is temporary and contingent on the L-1 visa Apr 10, 2024 · Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of L-1 visa holders are eligible for the L-2 visa. zzkul xds dxbtkqw thte dwonk kyuvrg scmcep ejegyena thkf czgoe