Complete Guide To The L2 Visa, Requirements, How To Apply And FAQs

L2 visas are dependent visas. It’s like the H4 visa for H-visa holders’ dependents. If your L-2 dependents visa is valid, you can study in the US, receive a driver’s license, open a bank account, travel in and out of the US, and more.

Your spouse or parent has been offered a move to the company’s US affiliates from their position in your home country. They will apply for an L-1 visa as a management or executive (L-1A) or specialized knowledge professional (L-1B). Stop worrying about being accepted. An L-2 visa lets you join the L-1 visa holder as a spouse or unmarried child under 21.

The L-1 visa holder determines your L-2 status. L-1s determine visa validity, extension, renewal, and status modification.

What are the requirements of the L-2 visa?

The L-2 visa has few requirements. You must be the L-1 visa holder’s spouse or unmarried kid under 21. Same-sex couples can apply. One spouse can apply for this visa since the US does not recognize multiple spouses. L-2 visas are not available to L-1 relatives like parents.

• How to apply for the L-2 visa?

The L-2 visa application is quite straightforward, and follows similar patterns to all other dependent visas such as the H-4 visa. It is recommended that dependents apply for their visa at the same time as the L-1 visa applicant, since it is much easier to prove their relationship. To apply for the L-2 visa, you must follow these steps.

• Fill in the DS-160 form

The DS-160 form is an online application form that candidates must complete in order for their procedure to begin. The DS-160 requires personal information as well as the reason of your visit to the United States. You must fill it out completely and truthfully. Finally, the form will generate a confirmation page and code that you must save for subsequent use.

• Pay the application fee

The application fee for the L-2 visa is $160. You must pay this fee for the application to be considered by the US Embassy. In addition, you might also be required to submit other fees depending on your home country and their relationship with the US, such as visa reciprocity fees. You should keep all receipts of the fees you pay as proof.

• Schedule your visa appointment

Over-13s and under-79s need US visa interviews. This group must make an appointment. Since the US Embassy may be busy, attempt to make an appointment as soon as possible. This appointment will give you a visa appointment letter, which you’ll need later.

• Submit the L-2 visa documents

In addition, you will need to compile a file of the necessary documents. The file should have these documents:\

• Your valid passport of more than 6 months from the expiration of your visa
• One photograph in compliance to the USA visa Photograph Requirements
• Your fee payment receipts
• Your appointment confirmation letter
• Your DS-160 confirmation page
• The L-1 visa holder’s copies of Form I-129 (Form I-129S for L blanket petitions) and Form I-797
• Copy of the L-1 person’s passport
• Copy of the L-1 person’s visa
• Letter from the employer of the L-1 visa holder explaining job description
• Letters from previous employers of the L-1 visa holder
• Proof of relationship
• For children, submit birth certificates
• For spouses submit genuine marriage proof such as:
• Original marriage certificate
• Wedding album
• Wedding invitation and venue
• Wedding receipts
• Honeymoon details
• Marriage registry photos and documents
• If the L-1 visa holder is already in the US, submit their pay slips

Attend the visa interview

The L-2 visa interview is the final phase. Your appointment with the US Embassy requires you to be on time with your documents. The L-2 visa interview will ask about previous US visits, your relationship to the L-1 visa holder, and your reasons for visiting the US.

Most L-2 visa applications are approved, however the US Embassy may refuse them if they believe you are travelling to the US to support your spouse, possibly under fraudulent job arrangements. Give the facts and as much information as feasible. After the interview, the US Embassy will respond.

• What is the L-2 visa processing time?

After you submit your documents and go through all the application steps, you will have to wait for your visa to be processed. L-2 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.

• How long is the L-2 visa valid?

The L-2 visa interview is the final phase. Your appointment with the US Embassy requires you to be on time with your documents. The L-2 visa interview will ask about previous US visits, your relationship to the L-1 visa holder, and your reasons for visiting the US.

Most L-2 visa applications are approved, however the US Embassy may refuse them if they believe you are travelling to the US to support your spouse, possibly under fraudulent job arrangements. Give the facts and as much information as feasible. After the interview, the US Embassy will respond.

• Can I work with the L-2 visa?

The L-2 visa lets dependents do many things. An L-2 visa lets you study and work in the US. L-1 spouses can work, but children cannot.

You need an EAD to work with this visa. Apply for this document when you arrive in the US. If the job is legitimate and there is an offer, this document lets you work in any industry.

The EAD allows part-time or full-time work. The EAD does not require a job offer. You can get the EAD if you want to work afterwards. The EAD is valid for two years and can be renewed as long as your L-2 visa is valid.

The EAD requires Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, a copy of your Form I-94, and two photos. You will submit USCIS your documents. USCIS may deny, accept, or request more proof within the 90-day L-2 visa EAD processing time. If they request more evidence, you must submit it by the date.

Since most US employers require an SSN, you can apply for one when your EAD is approved.

• Can I change my status on an L-2 visa?

L-2 dependent visas are hard to change. It’s possible. Apply individually for an L-1 visa if you qualify. If an employer sponsors you, you may qualify for an H-1B visa.

If your spouse or parent gets an H-1B visa, you must get an H-4 dependents visa.

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

If the L-1 visa holder gets a Green Card, you can too. Dual intent L visas do not require proof of purpose to return home or significant ties to your native country.

If your spouse or parent applies for an employment-based green card, you can join them and submit the necessary documentation. If the L-1 visa holder gets a green card, you and your family do too.