Complete Guide on L2 Visa

In the modern world that advances with interconnected and collaborative approaches, the L2 visa stands as a symbol of the United States’ commitment to welcoming skilled workers and their respective families. This promotes family unity and fosters economic prosperity on both national and personal fronts.

By recognizing and embracing the potential of L-2 visa holders, the U.S. ensures a future worth striving for all involved, be it the families, the workforce, or the nation.

To understand the concept and proceed with the L2 visa, the important background knowledge required is that of the L1 visa. L1 visa is a temporary work visa often hailed as the bridge between global talent and American opportunities.

The L-2 visa category is a non-immigrant visa designed for the dependents of individuals holding L-1 visas. L-1 visas are intended for intracompany transferees who are employees of MNCs seeking to work in the United States. The L-2 visa allows spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to accompany the L-1 visa holder to the U.S. It allows them to live, study, and potentially work in the country during the duration of the L-1 visa holder’s assignment.

Eligibility:

The L-2 visa is quite flexible and provides work authorization options to the spouses of L1 visa holders. Through this option, the U.S. benefits from an influx of diverse expertise, innovation, and fresh perspectives that enrich various sectors of the economy and extend the empowered hands of opportunity to the spouses and children of the L1 visa holders. This enables them to broaden their horizons.

To qualify for an L-2 visa, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Relationship to L-1 Visa Holder: The applicant must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 years of age of the primary L-1 visa holder.

2. Valid L-1 Status: The primary L-1 visa holder must maintain a valid L-1 status and be employed by a qualifying multinational company in the U.S.

3. Documentation: L2 visa applicants need to provide proof of their relationship with the L-1 visa holder, which may include but is not limited to marriage certificates for spouses or birth certificates for children.

Application Process:

1. Filling up the correct forms: The first step is to complete the online form which is applying for a U.S. visa. Each applicant, including children, must fill out a separate form.

2. Payment of Fees: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee. The application fee may vary.

3. Interview: Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country. Remember that interview wait times can vary, so applying well in advance is advisable.

4. Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents required for the application, including:

- Valid passports for all applicants.

- Passport-sized photos.

- Visa application fee payment receipt.

- Proof of relationship

- All additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate.

5. Attending the Visa Interview: On the day of the interview, applicants must bring all required documents and should make sure to be well-prepared with the important questions. Be prepared to answer questions about the relationship with the L-1 visa holder, the purpose of the stay in the U.S., and the intention to return to the home country after the L-1 visa holder’s assignment ends.

Some of the benefits of L-2 Visa:

L-2 visa holders do enjoy several benefits:

- They can live in the U.S. while the L-1 visa holder is employed.

- They can study in the U.S. without obtaining a separate student visa.

- The possibility of obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the

U.S. provided certain conditions are met.

Apart from all the benefits, the L-2 visa holders need to keep in mind a few things:

- They can only work in the U.S. with obtaining an EAD.

- Their stay is directly tied to the L-1 visa holder’s status. This means if the L-1 visa holder’s status changes or they leave the U.S., the L-2 visa holder’s status might also be affected.

To put it together, the L-2 visa aids are a priced option for the immediate relatives of the L-1 visa holder. It allows them to accompany the primary visa holder, study, and work in the U.S. Understanding the eligibility criteria and following the application process diligently are key to a successful L-2 visa application.

Click on the link to know more: L-2 Visa Guide

This L-2 visa program is vital to the US commitment to fostering economic growth and family unity. As we’ve explored, this visa category enables dependents of L-1 visa holders to accompany them to the U.S., providing a supportive environment for families and contributing to the nation’s workforce and economy.