L2 visas significantly advantage families of L1 visa holders because it allows the spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 to join the primary visa holder in the States. The visa provides several advantages and opportunities, which guarantee that the families remain united and supportive while living in the U.S.: This is a detailed guide to the L2 visa, with information about eligibility, application procedure, benefits, and what’s important for dependents to know.
The L2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the dependents of L1 visa holders to accompany them to the U.S. The main reason for the L2 visa lies in preserving the family unit by allowing spouses and minor children to accompany the L1 visa holder on temporary assignments in the United States. The L2 visa is valid for the same period as the stay of the L1 visa holder, ranging up to a maximum of 7 years in the case of the L1A and 5 years in the case of the L1B. This visa is thus fundamental in keeping the family unit intact to provide emotional and logistic support to the primary visa holder.
You may apply for an L2 visa if you are the spouse or the unmarried child under 21 years of the primary L1 visa holder. The same-sex partner can also apply for an L2 visa. The requirements are rather simple: the necessary connection between the applicant and the L1 visa holder. A lot depends on the primary L1 visa holder’s position with the L2 visa, and things like L2 visa validity, extension, renewal, or change of status are all determined by the original L1 visa holder’s circumstances.
The procedure to apply for an L2 visa consists of several stages:
The L2 visa has several vital benefits for dependents of L1 visa holders:
“Thorough preparation and clear documentation are key to a successful visa application.”
To work in the United States, holders of L2 visas have to apply for an Employment Authorization Document, basically known as an EAD. The process generally contains some simple steps:
Step 1: Fill out Form I-765: This is done by filling out an Application for Employment Authorization, otherwise known as Form I-765.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents: Supporting documents must include proof of your L2 status, proof that you are the spouse or child of the L1 visa holder, and a copy of the L1 approval notice given to your spouse or parent.
Step 3: Make Payment: Application fees must be paid when applying for the EAD.
Step 4: Submit: Once everything is ready, send Form I-765 and supporting documents to USCIS.
After approval of the EAD, the L2 visa holder will be allowed to work for any employer in the U.S.
The time taken to process an L2 visa depends on the number of applicants processed in the specific US consulate or embassy. In most cases, it takes a few weeks up to a few months after applying to be granted the L2 visa. There is also an added incentive to apply early, to avoid any possible setbacks in the processing period.
Have questions or need more information? Reach out to L1 Visa Services now and let our team help you navigate the L2 visa process smoothly and efficiently. Contact us to get started!
L2 visa can be renewed whereby the service is provided through the filing of the form I-539 Application to extend or change non-immigrant status. The renewal procedure requires the submission of fresh supportive documents, payment towards the requisite charges and the retaining of the status of the main L1 visa holder. So it is best to start the renewal process well in advance, to ensure there are no lapses in legal systems.
“Starting early and staying organized can make a big difference in the visa application process.”
The L2 visa is useful for dependents wanting to move to the USA to be with their visa-holding family member in the United States. Learning the eligibility requirements and application process and the pros of LAN 2 visa will help one transition and enjoy the many opportunities in the country. The visa also permits families to remain united, and the dependents have the opportunity to work, learn in the United States and acquire services making their experience better.