An L2 visa may be obtained by an L1 visa holder’s spouse and minor children. An L2 visa holder may remain in the US as long as the L-1 visa holder remains in legal status. An L2 visa holder may change his or her status in the US.
Employment
An L2 visa holder may apply for an EAD.
Study
An L2 visa holder may engage in full or part time study.
Spouse and children of L1 visa holders who wish to visit or accompany the L1 visa holder to the United States.
The spouse and unmarried minor children of the beneficiary are entitled to L nonimmigrant classification, subject to the same period of admission and limits as the beneficiary, if the spouse and unmarried minor children are accompanying or following to join the beneficiary in the United States. Neither the spouse nor any child may accept employment unless he or she has been granted employment authorization.
| Date | Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2025 | USCIS Policy Manual | This section provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria, application process, and status maintenance for L-2 nonimmigrants. |
| April 29, 2024 | Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) | This section outlines the policies and procedures related to the issuance of L-2 visas to eligible dependents of L-1 visa holders. |
| December 13, 2024 | DHS Announces Permanent Increase of the Automatic Extension Period for Certain Employment Authorization Document Renewal Applicants | The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule permanently increasing the automatic extension period of employment authorization and EADs from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for eligible noncitizens who timely file a renewal application. |
| November 12, 2021 | USCIS Updates Guidance on Employment Authorization for E and L Nonimmigrant Spouses | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated its policy to consider L-2 spouses as employment authorized incident to their status, meaning they are authorized to work in the U.S. without needing to apply for a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
