L-2 Visa
An L-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders to come and live in the United States.It’s designed to keep families together when one member is transferred to the U.S. on an L-1 visa for work.
Key points to remember
- Eligibility: You must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an L-1 visa holder.
- Duration: The L-2 visa is valid for the same duration as the primary L-1 visa holder’s stay in the U.S., which can be up to 7 years for L-1A visa holders and 5 years for L-1B visa holders.
- Work Authorization: L-2 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work in the U.S.
- Study:L-2 visa holders can study full-time in the U.S.
- Benefits: L-2 visas allow families to stay together during international assignments, provide opportunities for spouses to work and study, and can be a stepping stone to permanent residency through the L-1 visa holder’s green card process.
It’s important to note that L-2 visa holders cannot independently apply for a green card.Their path to permanent residency is tied to the L-1 visa holder’s green card process.
Frequently Asked Questions
An L-2 visa allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders to come and live in the United States.
You must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an L-1 visa holder.
Yes, L-2 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work in the U.S.
Yes, L-2 visa holders can study full-time in the U.S.
No, L-2 visa holders cannot independently apply for a green card. Their path to permanent residency is tied to the L-1 visa holder's green card process.