You’re sitting in your apartment, halfway through a Netflix binge, when your partner walks in, beaming. “I got the L-1 visa,” they say, breathlessly. “We’re moving to the U.S.” Excitement bubbles up, but then it hits you. What about you? Will you be able to go too? Will you have to stay behind and wait? Can you work there? Study? What if the visa officer doesn’t believe you’re really married?
If you don’t have the right paperwork or miss a tiny step, you might just get stuck in visa limbo. Don’t worry, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the dependent visa for L-1, so you don’t miss your chance to build a life alongside your L-1 partner in the U.S. Here’s what we’ll cover in detail, starting from who qualifies for the L-2 visa (and who doesn’t), the detail application process and interview tips to ace it.
What is the L-2 Visa?
This L-2 visa allows eligible family members to join the primary L-1 visa holder in the U.S. It’s not just about staying together; it also opens doors to study and, in some cases, even work.
The dependent visa for L-1 is specifically designed for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an L-1 visa holder. It offers the chance to live in the U.S. legally, making it easier for families to stay connected while pursuing personal and professional goals.
- Who isn’t eligible for the L-2 Visa?
Unfortunately, parents, siblings, and extended family do not qualify. It’s important to note that if there is any indication that the L-2 visa holder isn’t intending to stay with the principal L-1 visa holder, the USCIS can revoke the application.
Also Read: Transitioning from L-1 Visa to EB-1C Green Card: A Comparative Analysis
L-2 Visa Rights and Benefits
As an L-2 visa holder, you gain multiple rights that help support your stay in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Live and travel within the U.S. freely.
- Work authorization for spouses, either with or without an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), based on your I-94 annotation.
- Education rights for dependents, allowing them to study in schools or colleges without needing a separate student visa.
- Social Security Number (SSN) eligibility opens access to many services and opportunities.
- The chance to apply for a Green Card through your L-1 spouse’s employment route.
These benefits make the L-2 visa a strong option for families seeking to live and thrive in the U.S. while maintaining work and educational flexibility.
Want to explore your options or need assistance with your L-2 visa process? Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal today for expert guidance!
Application Process for the L-2 Visa
The dependent visa for L-1 involves several important steps that you must follow to ensure a smooth application process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to do:
1. DS-160 Form Completion
The first step in the application process is completing the DS-160 form. This online form is required for all U.S. visa applicants. It asks for personal details, passport information, travel plans, and security-related questions. Make sure to review all your responses carefully before submitting, as mistakes can delay the process.
Once you’ve completed the form, you’ll receive a confirmation page that you must print out and bring to the visa interview. The DS-160 form submission also generates a unique barcode that you’ll need for tracking your visa application.
2. Visa Fee Payment
As of 2025, the visa application fee for an L-2 visa is $185. This fee is non-refundable, even if your visa application is denied. You can pay the fee online or at an authorized bank. After payment, keep the receipt safe as it will be needed when scheduling your visa interview.
It’s crucial to double-check the exact fee and payment process at the official U.S. Department of State website for the most current information, as fees can change.
3. Scheduling and Attending the Visa Interview
Once your DS-160 form is submitted and the visa fee is paid, you can schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. The interview appointment is an important step, and you’ll need to bring several documents, including your DS-160 confirmation, passport, visa fee receipt, and any additional documents required by the consulate.
During the interview, you’ll be asked about your relationship with the L-1 visa holder and your intent to stay in the U.S. You may also be asked about your previous travels to the U.S. and your plans while residing there. Prepare for questions about your background and your reasons for seeking an L-2 visa.
4. Biometrics and Supporting Documents
After your interview, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment. This involves fingerprinting and photographing, which is part of the U.S. visa application process. Biometrics help U.S. authorities with background checks.
In addition to the DS-160 and visa fee receipt, you’ll need to provide supporting documents like:
- Valid Passport and Passport-Style Photo
- DS-160 Confirmation
- Marriage/Birth Certificates
- Proof of Relationship with the L-1 Visa Holder
- L-1 Visa Holders’ Documents
- A copy of their approved petition for the L-1 visa.
- Employment verification letter from their U.S. employer confirming their position.
- I-797 approval notice issued by USCIS.
- Copies of their pay slips if they are already working in the U.S.
- A copy of their income tax returns, if available.
- Visa Appointment Confirmation
Make sure all your documents are current and correctly formatted.
Also Read: Transition from L-1B Visa to EB-1C Green Card: A Step by Step Guide
L-2 Visa Interview: What to Expect
The visa interview is a key part of getting a dependent visa for L-1. You don’t need to worry if you’re prepared with the right documents and know what to expect. The consular officer is there to verify your identity and relationship with the L-1 holder.
Common Questions for Spouses and Children
The officer will ask questions to confirm that your relationship with the L-1 holder is real. For spouses, you might be asked:
- When and where did you get married?
- Who attended your wedding?
- What is your spouse’s job title in the U.S.?
- How long have you been married?
For children, the questions are simple. You might be asked about your school, birthday, or who lives in your house. If the child is too young to answer, the parent can respond.
- Proof of Relationship
Bring photos, marriage certificates, and other proof that your relationship is genuine. For spouses, wedding albums and joint bank accounts help. For children, bring birth certificates and school documents.
The officer will likely scan these quickly but may ask follow-up questions. If your L-1 spouse is already in the U.S., they may also check details from their petition or job records.
Language or Translation Options
If you’re not fluent in English, don’t stress. You can request an interpreter or conduct the interview in your preferred language. Many U.S. consulates offer interviews in local languages, especially for children.
Being prepared helps avoid delays. If you forget a document or give unclear answers, your visa may be held up or denied.
Want to feel more confident before your interview? Contact The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal and speak with a legal expert who has helped many L-2 applicants just like you.
Processing Time for L-2 Visa
When applying for a dependent visa for L-1, the wait can feel endless, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Processing time is pretty straightforward if you know what to expect.
On average, L-2 visa processing takes 15 to 45 days. You’ll first complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and schedule your interview. Once the interview is done, your visa will usually arrive in 2–4 weeks.
- Is There Premium Processing for L-2?
Unfortunately, premium processing is not available for L-2 visa applications. Even if your L-1 spouse chooses premium processing, it won’t speed up the L-2 timeline. You’ll need to wait for the standard visa approval steps to finish.
Also Read: Getting a Green Card for H-2A Temporary Agricultural Workers
Can L-2 Visa Holders Work?
If you’re coming to the U.S. as the spouse of an L-1 visa holder, you’ve got a major advantage, you can work legally in the U.S.. Thanks to a policy change from November 2021, you’re now considered employment-authorized just by holding L-2 status, as long as your I-94 form includes the “L-2S” code. That one little letter S for Spouse makes all the difference.
What Is the “L-2S” Annotation?
As of January 30, 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and USCIS began issuing I-94 forms with L-2S for spouses and plain L-2 for children. If your I-94 says L-2S and it’s unexpired, it serves as proof that you’re allowed to work, no extra paperwork needed. This document alone qualifies under List C of Form I-9, which employers use to verify your work eligibility.
And yes, with just that I-94 in hand, you can also apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) and start working right away.
Can L-2 Children Work?
Unfortunately, no. Children under L-2 status can go to school or college, but they can’t work. The automatic work authorization only applies to spouses.
Do You Still Need an EAD?
Not necessarily. Since the L-2S status automatically authorizes you to work, you don’t have to apply for an EAD anymore. But you can choose to get one, and there are good reasons to. Some employers might still ask for it as additional proof. Also, if you’d rather show an EAD under List A on Form I-9 (which proves both identity and work eligibility in one document), that’s a valid route.
To get an EAD, you’ll need to file Form I-765, pay the $470 online fee or $520 by mail, and submit documents showing your valid L-2S status. If approved, your EAD is usually valid for up to two years and can be renewed as long as your L-2 status remains active.
Planning to apply? You can either file the EAD alone or bundle it with your Form I-539 if you’re changing or extending your stay.
Just remember, whether you go with the I-94 alone or apply for the EAD, your documents must always be current. An expired I-94 or EAD can block your right to work and even put your immigration status at risk.
Got questions about applying for an EAD or whether you even need one for your job? It’s best to reach out to Sweta Khandelwal and let them guide you through the fastest and safest route.
Can L-2 Visa Holders Study?
Yes, L-2 visa holders can study full-time or part-time in the U.S. They can attend both public and private institutions, including colleges and universities.
Children on L-2 visas can go to public schools just like U.S. residents and may even qualify for in-state tuition in some states.
How Long Can You Stay on an L-2 Visa, and How Do You Renew It?
L-2 visa holders are allowed to remain in the United States for as long as the primary L-1 visa holder maintains valid status. If the L-1 visa gets extended, you can also apply for an L-2 extension to match their new authorized stay. You don’t need to leave the U.S. to do this; you can file for a renewal while living in the country.
To renew your L-2 status, you’ll need to prepare a few important documents. These typically include a valid passport, proof of your relationship to the L-1 holder (like a marriage certificate or birth certificate), and a copy of the L-1 holder’s approved extension (Form I-797).
You’ll also have to submit Form I-539, which is used to extend or change nonimmigrant status. Since the L-2 is a dependent visa for L-1 workers, your extension can be a maximum of 7 years for L-1A and 5 years for L-1B. Make sure to file Form I-539 before your current I-94 expires to avoid complications like falling out of status.
Also Read: Understanding H-1B Visa RFE Requests: Common Issues and Responses
Can You Switch Status or Apply for a Green Card on an L-2 Visa?
Many L-2 visa holders wonder if they can change their visa type or start the green card process while living in the U.S. The good news? You can change your status to something like an F-1 (student visa) or H-4 (spouse of an H-1B holder), as long as you meet the requirements for that visa type. Just remember that changing status means you’ll need to file the correct USCIS forms, and possibly stop working or studying temporarily while it’s processed.
Importantly, L-1 and L-2 visa holders are considered to have “dual intent,” meaning they can pursue permanent residency (green card) while maintaining their non-immigrant status. The green card process for L-2 holders typically aligns with the L-1 process. Since the L-2 is a dependent visa for L-1 holders, if the L-1 holder switches status, it usually impacts yours too.
Another important note is that L-2 holders can’t apply on their own. You become eligible for a green card only when the primary L-1 visa holder goes through employment-based green card sponsorship. Once they reach certain stages in the process (like I-140 approval), you, as the dependent, can be included in the adjustment of status application.
Need expert help with your L-2 visa extension or status change? Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal for personalized assistance!
FAQs
- Can you travel while your EAD is pending?
If your underlying status remains valid, travelling while an EAD (Form I-765) is pending is usually permitted. However, travelling while a change of status (Form I-539) or adjustment (Form I-485) is pending may result in abandonment of your application unless you have advance parole or another valid visa. Re-entry might be denied if your EAD hasn’t been approved yet. It’s wise to consult an immigration attorney before making travel plans.
- Can you study while waiting for EAD?
Yes, L-2 visa holders are allowed to study while their EAD is pending.
- Can you stay if your spouse loses their L-1 job?
If the L-1 holder loses their job, the L-2 holder’s status is automatically void, and you would need to change your status or depart the U.S.
- Do you need a new visa if I remarry?
If you remarry another L-1 holder, you may need to file for a new petition or adjust your status. It’s important to consult an immigration attorney for detailed advice.
Conclusion
Understanding the L-2 visa process can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves your career, your children’s education, or the possibility of permanent residency. Having legal clarity at every step is key. That’s where The Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal can help. With extensive experience in dependent visas for L-1 holders, they can help you avoid missteps and stay compliant with USCIS expectations.
If you’re unsure about your options or need help filing an EAD or extension, don’t take chances. Reach out to Sweta Khandelwal for focused, professional advice. For individualized legal support, from visa renewals to status changes, Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal and take the next step confidently.
Disclaimer
Please note that the prices listed for visa services are estimates and may vary in real-time. We recommend consulting the official government websites or other authoritative resources for the most up-to-date pricing information. These estimates do not constitute a guarantee of costs, and fees may change without notice.
