L-2 Dependent Status
L-2 Dependent Status Overview
L-2 is a nonimmigrant dependent status for spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 intracompany transferees. A key advantage of L-2 status is that spouses are automatically eligible for work authorization, providing greater flexibility than many other dependent visa categories.
Key Advantages of L-2 Status
- • Automatic work eligibility for spouses (no employer sponsorship needed)
- • Unrestricted employment - can work for any employer
- • Entrepreneurship allowed - can start own business
- • Educational opportunities for all family members
- • Travel flexibility with valid L-2 visa
- • Path to permanent residence often available
L-2 vs Other Dependent Categories
- • L-2: Automatic spouse work authorization
- • H-4: Work authorization only for specific criteria
- • E-2: Spouse work authorization with restrictions
- • F-2: No work authorization for dependents
- • B-2: No work or study authorization
L-2 Status Eligibility Requirements
Basic L-2 Qualification Criteria
- Must be the spouse of an L-1 worker in valid status
- Must be the unmarried child under 21 years of age of an L-1 worker
- Must not be independently eligible for any other nonimmigrant status
- Must maintain lawful status throughout stay in the United States
- Must depart the United States when L-1 principal's status ends
- Must demonstrate financial support and ties to ensure departure
L-2 Spouse Work Authorization
Automatic Work Eligibility for L-2 Spouses
- L-2 spouses are automatically eligible for work authorization
- No separate petition or employer sponsorship required
- Can work for any employer in any capacity
- Can start own business or work as independent contractor
- Must apply for Employment Authorization Document (Form I-765)
- Work authorization tied to L-1 principal's authorized stay period
Major Advantage: Unlike H-4 spouses who need specific qualifying criteria, L-2 spouses are automatically eligible for unrestricted work authorization simply by virtue of their L-2 status.
Work Authorization Options for L-2 Spouses
Two Pathways to Work Authorization:
Option 1: Incident to Status
- • Work authorization automatic with valid L-2 status
- • No separate EAD application required
- • Use I-94 showing L-2 admission for employment verification
- • Available immediately upon L-2 status approval
Option 2: EAD Application
- • File Form I-765 for Employment Authorization Document
- • Provides physical card for employment verification
- • May be preferred by some employers
- • Processing time: 8-12 months
- • 540-day automatic extension available if renewing timely (effective Jan 13, 2025)
Current Policy: L-2 spouses can work with just valid L-2 status documentation. EAD is optional but may be helpful for employment verification purposes.
EAD Extension Update: If choosing to obtain an EAD, renewals filed timely now receive up to 540-day automatic extension (effective January 13, 2025), providing greater work authorization continuity during processing delays.
Application Process
Complete L-2 Status and Work Authorization Process
L-1 Principal Obtains Status
The L-1 worker must first obtain valid L-1 status through employer petition demonstrating intracompany transfer requirements.
Required Documents:
- •L-1 worker's I-94 arrival/departure record
- •Copy of L-1 approval notice (I-797)
- •Valid passport with L-1 visa (if entering from abroad)
Apply for L-2 Status
Spouse and children apply for L-2 status either by filing Form I-539 in the U.S. or applying for L-2 visa at consulate abroad.
Required Documents:
- •Form I-539 (if in U.S.) or DS-160 (if abroad)
- •Copy of L-1 principal's I-797 approval notice
- •Marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children)
- •Evidence of relationship to L-1 principal
Apply for L-2 EAD (Spouses Only)
L-2 spouses file Form I-765 to obtain Employment Authorization Document for work in the United States.
Required Documents:
- •Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
- •Copy of L-2 approval or valid L-2 status documentation
- •Marriage certificate and relationship evidence
- •Copy of L-1 principal's I-797 approval notice
L-2 EAD Application Process
Employment Authorization for L-2 Spouses
Confirm L-2 Status
Ensure valid L-2 status before applying for employment authorization. L-2 spouses are automatically eligible.
File Form I-765
Submit employment authorization application with required documentation and fees.
Receive EAD Card
Upon approval, receive Employment Authorization Document allowing work for any employer.
Benefits and Opportunities
L-2 Status Benefits
- Legal status to remain in United States as long as L-1 principal maintains status
- Automatic work eligibility for spouses (after obtaining EAD)
- No restrictions on type of employment or employer for spouses
- Ability to start own business or work as independent contractor
- Educational opportunities including enrollment in universities
- Access to driver's licenses and state benefits
- Travel flexibility with valid L-2 visa
L-2 Children's Rights
- Can attend elementary, middle, and high school programs
- Eligible for in-state tuition rates in many states
- Can enroll in colleges and universities
- May qualify for certain scholarships and financial aid
- Can participate in school activities and sports
- No work authorization available for L-2 children
- Must change status before aging out at 21
L-2 vs Other Dependent Categories
How L-2 Compares to Other Dependent Statuses
- L-2 spouses get automatic work authorization (vs. H-4 spouses need specific criteria)
- L-2 status tied to L-1 duration (typically 1-2 years initial, extendable)
- L-2 work authorization has no restrictions on employer or job type
- L-2 children cannot work (similar to H-4 children)
- L-2 status generally processed faster than H-4 applications
- Both L-2 and H-4 children lose status when turning 21 or marrying
Change of Status Options
Options for L-2 Holders
- L-2 to F-1 (Student): Popular option for pursuing education independently
- L-2 to B-1/B-2 (Visitor): For temporary visits if L-1 status ends
- L-2 to other work visa: Must qualify independently (H-1B, O-1, etc.)
- L-2 to permanent resident: Through family-based or employment-based petitions
- Return to home country: If unable to maintain legal status
Planning Tip: Many L-2 holders change to F-1 student status for educational opportunities or to maintain legal status independently of the L-1 principal.
Status Maintenance and Renewal
Maintaining L-2 Status
- File renewal application before current L-2 status expires
- L-1 principal must maintain valid status and employment
- Provide updated documentation of continued relationship
- Pay required filing fees for extension applications
- L-2 EAD must be renewed separately if spouse wants to continue working
- Maintain qualifying criteria throughout authorized stay
Important: L-2 status and L-2 EAD have separate validity periods and must be renewed independently. Plan renewal applications well in advance.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Frequent Issues for L-2 Families
- Processing delays for both L-2 status and EAD applications
- Gap in work authorization during EAD renewal periods
- Children aging out when turning 21 years old
- Dependence on L-1 principal's continued employment and status
- Limited initial validity period requiring frequent renewals
- Travel restrictions during pending status applications
Practical Solutions and Best Practices
- • Apply for EAD immediately: File Form I-765 as soon as L-2 status is approved or obtained
- • Plan renewal timing: File extensions before current status expires to maintain continuous authorization
- • Prepare for aging out: Help children plan alternative status options before turning 21
- • Build career during L-2: Use unrestricted work authorization to establish professional credentials
- • Document everything: Maintain records of all applications, approvals, and employment history
- • Consider permanent residence: Explore green card options while in L-2 status
Special Considerations
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
L-2 spouses can start their own businesses:
- • No restrictions on type of business
- • Can be sole proprietor or partner
- • Can hire employees and manage operations
- • Must comply with all business licensing requirements
- • Consider tax implications and business structure
Path to Permanent Residence
L-2 families often have green card options:
- • L-1A workers may qualify for EB-1C green cards
- • L-1B workers may pursue EB-2 or EB-3 categories
- • Family-based options if qualifying relatives
- • L-2 work experience may support independent petitions
Current Fees and Processing Times
Application Fees (2025)
- • Form I-539 (L-2 Extension/Change): $420 (online) / $470 (paper)
- • Form I-765 (L-2 EAD): $410 (optional - work auth automatic with status)
- • Biometric Services Fee: $85 (if required)
- • L-2 Visa Application (DS-160): $205 (petition-based visa)
- • Fraud Prevention Fee: $500 (for L visa categories)
Fee Note: Remember that L-2 spouses can work without an EAD, so Form I-765 is optional. Use the USCIS Fee Calculator for current amounts.
H.R. 1 Alert: Additional fees may take effect July 22, 2025, under H.R. 1 provisions. Monitor USCIS announcements for updates affecting L visa categories.
Processing Times (Approximate)
- • L-2 Extension/Change of Status: 8-14 months
- • L-2 EAD Application: 8-12 months
- • L-2 EAD Renewal: 8-12 months
- • L-2 Visa at Consulate: 2-8 weeks after interview
- • Premium Processing: Not available for L-2 applications
Travel and Reentry Considerations
Travel Requirements
- • Valid L-2 visa required for reentry to United States
- • L-2 visa validity separate from status validity
- • Can travel while L-2 EAD application is pending
- • Automatic revalidation may apply for brief trips to Canada/Mexico
- • Keep all status documentation while traveling
Working While Abroad
- • Can work remotely for U.S. employer while abroad temporarily
- • Extended absence may affect tax residency status
- • Consider visa requirements for extended stays abroad
- • Maintain U.S. ties if planning to return to L-2 status
Additional Resources
State Department L Visas
Information on L-1 and L-2 visa applications at consulates
Visit State Department(opens in new tab)Small Business Administration
Resources for L-2 spouses starting businesses
Visit SBA(opens in new tab)Maximizing L-2 Opportunities
L-2 status offers unique opportunities, particularly for spouses who gain unrestricted work authorization. Many L-2 holders use this period to build careers, start businesses, or pursue education that sets them up for long-term success in the United States.
Consider consulting with immigration and business professionals to fully understand and utilize the opportunities available through L-2 status.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. L-2 requirements and procedures can change. Always consult official USCIS guidance and consider seeking professional legal advice for your specific situation. Information current as of 2025.