Can Your Spouse Work on an L1 Visa? The Ultimate Guide for Families

It is common for families who relocate to the USA on an L1 visa, to seek information on how their spouse may seek employment. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about the question: “Can spouse work on L1 visa?” Here is a more detailed explanation so you can follow the process, learn about the possibilities and how your family can be on the receiving end.

What is an L1 Visa?

An L1 visa is a type of non-immigration visa that is issued to employees who are working for a multinational company who wish to transfer their employees from the overseas branch to the company’s branch in the United States. This visa is often utilized by big multinational corporations who want to tap into the American market. There are two primary types of L1 visas:

1. L1A Visa: For managers and executives.
2. L1B Visa: For employees with specialized knowledge.

While the L1 visa programmed is beneficial to the employee, the validity of the spouse’s employment which is also completely valid is questionable. Can spouse work on L1 visa? Yes, but there are magical conditions and certain magical procedures that need to be done.

Can a Spouse Accompany the L1 Visa Holder?

Of course, the L1 visa includes an L2 visa for dependents, thus spouses of L1 visa holders can accompany their spouse to the United States. The L2 visa is just an immigration status allocated for spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who are dependents of L1 immigrants and this visa lets them work but with conditions.

Understanding Work Eligibility for L2 Visa Holders

The USCIS permits spouses on the L2 visa to apply for employment permission from the immigration services. However, they have to be in the right legal procedures that allow them to get the working legal status. This provision is very useful to families because it enables one spouse to fend for the family or even raise income.

Here’s the process to clarify whether “can spouse work on L1 visa?”

• Apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD): L2 visa holders need to obtain an EAD from USCIS.
• Work Without Restrictions: Once the EAD is approved, the spouse can work for any employer or even start their own business.

Employment Opportunities for L2 Spouses

L2 spouses of L1 visa holders are allowed to do any kind of job in the United States after they get their EAD card. From the snapshot of L2 spouses, the EAD enables partners to work in any profession and for any employer of their choice. Below are some key points about employment opportunities for L2 spouses:

• No Restrictions on Job Type

With other types of visas, spouses on an L2 visa are not restricted to a certain industry; instead, they can look for work in a variety of areas, such as business or arts, advertising, graphic design, media, and so on. This makes the L2 visa ideal for spouses looking for diverse employment.

• Diverse Job Opportunities

L2 spouses can find work in a variety of industries, including health care, technology, teaching, finance, the hotel industry, and more. Whether they want full-time, part-time, or contract work, they can find a job that matches their qualifications and preferences.

• Career Advancement

The legal right to work in the U.S. also creates possibilities to advance a spouse’s career in L2. They can get work experience in the USA, thus expanding their professional contacts list, which is important whether they will work in the USA or other countries.

• Entrepreneurial Ventures

L2 spouses can then engage in profitable activities and more formally, the following options present themselves to the L2 spouses. The EAD is able to help them start and run businesses in the United States whether it be a small store, a consultancy company or even an online business. This flexibility can be of great advantage to the person with entrepreneurial aspirations.

• Educational Opportunities

L2 spouses also get to the education systems to enhance their skills or even get new careers as well as new opportunities. Some decide to get a degree, certification or training while in employment with the view to enhancing their marketability in the United States.

How to Obtain Work Authorization as an L2 Spouse?

Here are the key steps to obtaining work authorization as an L2 spouse:

1. Ensure Valid L2 Visa Status

• L2 visa: one can move to the U.S. with an L2 visa which is issued to dependents of L1 visa holders.
• Check that your visa is still valid and for how long it is valid.

2. Obtain and Fill Out Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)

• Download Form I-765 from the USCIS website.
• Accurately complete the form, including personal details and visa information.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

Include the following with your application:

• Copy of your valid L2 visa.
• Copy of the L1 visa holder’s approval notice (Form I-797).
• Marriage certificate proving your relationship.
• I-94 form as proof of entry to the U.S.

4. Pay the Filing Fee

Submit the application fee of $410 (check the USCIS website for updated fees).

5. Submit Your Application

• After completing this form, you are to send it, other documents demanded, and the fee to a USCIS address depending on the region.
• Make sure to preserve the receipt notice so that you can track your application.

6. Wait for Processing

• Processing typically takes 1 to 6 months.
• Check your application status online using the receipt number.

Conclusion

Can your spouse get employment while in the United States using an L1 visa? Absolutely! The L2 visa is a perfect chance for spouses to find employment, to start a career and to improve the quality of their family life in the USA. Just as with the mentioned work authorization, your spouse knows about the existing immigration policies, and he or she will be able to use the opportunities to the maximum and create a good work-life balance abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does an L1 visa allow a spouse to work?

The spouse of an L-1 visa holder is not restricted to work if he /she obtains an EAD card from USCIS. These cards however have to be renewed every two years. L-2 visa is valid until the L-1 visa for a spouse or parent is valid to enable them to live in the United States.

Can an L-2 visa holder stay in the US without an L-1?

No. An L2 Visa holder is reliant on an L1 visa holder; an L2 Visa holder cannot remain in the US when there isn’t an L1 visa holder to support her or him.

Can a spouse work on a L-2 visa?

Yes, you can work on an L2 visa. In 2022, USCIS and CBP began issuing Forms I-94 with the code for L-2 spouses: L-2S. An unexpired Form I-94 reflecting this code is acceptable as evidence of employment authorization for spouses of L-1 visa holders.