L2 Visa USA: Complete Guide for L1 Dependents

What Is an L2 Visa?

The L2 visa is a non-immigrant dependent visa issued to immediate family members of L1 visa holders. The L1 visa category covers intracompany transferees — employees who move from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company of the same employer.

L2 visa holders may:

• Live in the United States for the duration of the L1 holder's authorised stay
• Study at U.S. educational institutions without additional authorisation
• Apply for work authorisation through an Employment Authorisation Document
• Travel in and out of the United States with a valid visa

The L2 dependent visa exists in two forms, tied to the primary applicant's L1 classification:

Unlike some dependent visa categories, the L2 visa USA offers a relatively straightforward path to employment. This makes it attractive for dual-income families relocating from the UK. However, strict eligibility criteria apply, and applicants must demonstrate a qualifying relationship to the L1 holder.

L2 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for an L2 visa, applicants must meet specific relationship and documentation requirements. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sets these criteria under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Eligible Relationships

The L2 visa requirements limit eligibility to those with qualifying relationships to a person who meets the L1 visa requirements:

• Legal spouses of L1 visa holders (including same-sex marriages recognised under U.S. federal law)
• Unmarried children under 21 years of age

Common-law partners, fiancés, and children aged 21 or older do not qualify. Step-children and legally adopted children are eligible if the relationship existed before the L1 holder's transfer.

Documentation Requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of the qualifying relationship and the primary applicant's valid L1 status.

UK applicants should obtain certified translations for any documents not in English. The U.S. Embassy in London accepts translations from qualified translators, though certification by a notary is not required (U.S. Embassy London guidance, 2024).

Ineligibility Factors

Certain circumstances may result in visa denial:

• Prior immigration violations or overstays
• Criminal history triggering inadmissibility
• Misrepresentation on previous visa applications
• Failure to demonstrate intent to depart after L1 holder's status ends
• Inability to prove bona fide relationship

Consular officers have discretion in evaluating applications. A denial does not necessarily prevent future applications, but applicants should address any issues before reapplying.

L2 Visa Application Process Step by Step

The L2 visa application follows the standard U.S. nonimmigrant visa process. Applicants based in the UK will apply through the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast.

Step 1: Confirm L1 Holder's Status

Before beginning the L2 visa application, verify that the primary applicant holds valid L1 status. If the L1 visa is still being processed, the L2 applicant may apply simultaneously but cannot receive the visa until the L1 is approved.

Step 2: Complete Form DS-160

All applicants must submit the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) through the Consular Electronic Application Center. The form requires:

• Biographical information
• Travel history
• Employment details
• Security and background questions
• A digital photograph meeting specifications

Save the confirmation page with the barcode. You will need this for the interview appointment.

Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee

The L2 visa application fee is $185 per applicant (U.S. State Department fee schedule, effective April 2024). Payment is made online before scheduling an interview. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome.

Step 4: Schedule the Interview

Applicants aged 14 to 79 must attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Children under 14 may qualify for interview waiver, though the embassy may still request their presence.

Schedule appointments through the U.S. Visa Information Service website for the UK. Wait times vary by season and demand. As of late 2024, London interview wait times for L visas average two to four weeks (U.S. Embassy London, November 2024).

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

Bring all required documents to the interview. The consular officer will ask questions to verify:

• Your relationship to the L1 holder
• Your understanding of L2 visa conditions
• Your intent to comply with visa terms

Interviews typically last 5 to 15 minutes. The officer may approve, deny, or place the application in administrative processing.

Step 6: Receive Passport and Visa

If approved, the embassy will return your passport with the L2 visa stamp via courier. Standard processing takes 5 to 7 business days after approval. Premium delivery options are available for an additional fee.

L2 Visa Work Authorisation and EAD

One significant advantage of the L2 visa is the ability to work in the United States. Unlike H4 dependent visa holders (who face restrictions), L2 spouses may apply for employment authorisation.

Employment Authorisation Document

To work legally, L2 visa holders must obtain an Employment Authorisation Document from USCIS. The L2 visa EAD allows unrestricted employment — holders may work for any U.S. employer in any occupation.

The EAD application requires:

• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Filing fee of $410 (USCIS fee schedule, April 2024)
• Copy of L2 visa and I-94 arrival record
• Passport photographs
• Evidence of L1 holder's valid status

USCIS typically processes L2 visa EAD applications in 3 to 5 months, though times fluctuate based on caseload (USCIS processing times, October 2024). Premium processing is not available for EAD applications.

Work Authorisation for Children

L2 children under 21 may also apply for an EAD. However, practical employment is limited since most are attending school. Upon turning 21, L2 children lose dependent status and must change to another visa category or depart.

Can L2 Visa Holders Work Without an EAD?

A significant policy change took effect in early 2022 that benefits L2 spouses. USCIS announced that L2 spouses are now authorised for employment incident to their status, meaning work authorisation is automatic upon admission in L2 status.

What This Means in Practice

L2 spouses no longer need to wait for an EAD before beginning employment. According to USCIS guidance published January 2022, L2 spouses may:

• Begin working immediately upon admission to the United States
• Use their I-94 and passport as proof of work authorisation
• Continue working while an EAD application is pending

However, practical challenges remain. Many employers are unfamiliar with this policy change. Some may still request an EAD as proof of work authorisation. The EAD provides a recognisable document that simplifies the employment verification process (Form I-9).

Recommendation

While L2 spouses can legally work without an EAD, applying for one remains advisable. The document:

• Provides clear evidence of work authorisation
• Reduces friction with employers during hiring
• Serves as a valid form of identification
• May be required for certain professional licences

L2 children cannot work without an EAD. The incident-to-status work authorisation applies only to spouses.

L2 Visa Processing Time and Costs

Understanding timelines and expenses helps families plan their relocation effectively. Costs include government fees, and applicants should budget for potential additional expenses.

Processing Times

Processing times vary based on individual circumstances. Administrative processing can extend timelines by weeks or months. USCIS and consular workloads fluctuate seasonally.

Cost Summary

For a family of three (spouse and one child), minimum government fees total approximately $780, excluding EAD costs. Families should budget additional funds for travel to the embassy, document preparation, and unforeseen expenses.

The L2 visa processing time can extend significantly if the consular officer requests additional documentation or if the case enters administrative processing. Applicants with complex immigration histories should allow extra time.

L2 Visa Interview Questions for Spouses

The consular interview determines whether an applicant qualifies for the L2 visa. Officers assess the genuineness of the relationship and the applicant's understanding of visa conditions.

Common L2 Visa Interview Questions for Spouse Applicants

Prepare for questions such as:

• How did you meet your spouse?
• When and where did you get married?
• What does your spouse do for their employer?
• Which U.S. office will your spouse work at?
• Where will you live in the United States?
• Do you plan to work in the United States?
• How long do you expect to stay?
• Do you have children? Will they accompany you?
• Have you visited the United States before?
• What ties do you have to the UK?

Interview Tips

• Answer honestly and concisely
• Bring original documents, not just copies
• Know basic details about your spouse's employer and role
• Dress professionally
• Remain calm if asked follow-up questions

Officers may ask additional questions if they need clarification. A request for more information does not indicate denial. Provide straightforward answers without volunteering unnecessary details.

L2 Visa vs H4 Visa: Key Differences

UK families researching U.S. dependent visas often compare the L2 and H4 categories. Both allow family members to accompany work visa holders, but significant differences exist.

The L2 visa offers a clear advantage for spouses seeking employment. H4 visa holders face more restrictive work authorisation rules. Only H4 spouses whose H1B partner has an approved I-140 immigrant petition may apply for an EAD (USCIS policy, current as of 2024).

For dual-career families, the L2 visa's employment flexibility often makes the L1/L2 pathway more attractive than H1B/H4 arrangements. However, visa category depends on the primary applicant's eligibility, not dependent preference.

L2 Visa to Green Card: Adjustment of Status

The L2 visa can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residence. The pathway depends on the L1 holder's green card petition.

How L2 Holders Obtain Green Cards

L2 visa holders cannot independently petition for a green card based on their L2 status. Instead, they are included as derivative beneficiaries on the L1 holder's employment-based immigrant petition.

Common pathways include:

• EB-1C: For L1A managers and executives (no labour certification required)
• EB-2 or EB-3: For L1B specialised knowledge workers (requires PERM labour certification)

When USCIS approves the L1 holder's I-140 petition, the L2 spouse and children may file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) as derivatives.

Timeline Considerations

The L2 visa to green card timeline depends on:

• Visa bulletin priority dates and country of birth
• L1 holder's petition category (EB-1C moves faster)
• USCIS processing times

UK-born applicants typically face shorter waits than those from backlogged countries. EB-1C petitions for UK nationals often proceed without significant delay, while EB-2 and EB-3 categories may involve waiting periods.

Maintaining Status During the Process

L2 holders must maintain valid status throughout the green card process. If L1 status expires before adjustment completes, the family may need to:

• Extend L1/L2 status if eligible
• Change to another nonimmigrant category
• Depart and await consular processing abroad

Careful planning with an immigration attorney helps avoid gaps in status that could jeopardise the green card application.

Frequently Asked Questions