L2 Visa, Explained
The L2 visa is for the family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) of L1 visa holders. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the L2 visa, including L2 visa requirements, the application process, and how long this visa is valid for.
By:
Chelsea Spinos
Reviewer:
Simon Craven, Esq.
7 min read • Sep 8, 2024
Key takeaways
The L2 visa allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L1 visa holders to live in the U.S., keeping families together during work assignments.
L2 visa holders have significant benefits, including the ability for spouses to work, access to education, and the ability to obtain a driver's license.
L2 visa validity is tied to the L1 visa holder's status, typically lasting as long as the L1 visa is active and can be extended if the L1 visa is renewed.
If you’re the spouse or child of someone who’s been granted an L1 visa to work in the U.S., the L2 visa can be a visa option allowing you to join them. The L2 visa is designed to keep families united when one member relocates to the United States for work. With an L2 visa, you can move to the U.S. and enjoy many of the same benefits as your L1 visa-holding family member, including the opportunity to work and study.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the L2 visa. We’ll explain eligibility requirements, the application process, and how long the visa is valid.
If your spouse or parent has recently been offered a transfer to a U.S. branch of their company and you’re excited to join them, keep reading to discover how the L2 visa can help make that happen.
An L2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows family members—spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L1 visa holders to come and live in the United States. If your spouse or parent has been transferred to the U.S. by their company on an L1 visa, the L2 visa lets you join them and stay together as a family.
Stay with Your Family: The L2 visa allows spouses and children under 21 to live in the U.S. with their L1 visa holder family member, keeping the family together during the work assignment.
Work Authorization for Spouses: L2 spouses have the ability to work in the U.S. You can work for any employer, start your own business, or pursue freelance opportunities.
Access to Education: L2 visa holders can attend school, from elementary through college or other higher education programs, making it a great option for kids and spouses looking to continue their studies.
Driver’s License Eligibility: You can apply for a U.S. driver’s license, making it easier to travel, work, and participate in everyday activities.
Open Bank Accounts: You can open bank accounts in the U.S., making it simpler to manage your finances, save money, or establish credit.
Social Security Number (SSN): Spouses can get a Social Security Number, which is useful for work, banking, and other official purposes.
Freedom to Travel: The L2 visa allows you to travel in and out of the U.S. without needing to reapply each time, as long as your visa is valid.
Flexible Duration: The L2 visa remains valid as long as the L1 visa holder’s status is active. It can be renewed or extended, giving you the flexibility to stay as long as needed.
Access to U.S. Healthcare and Benefits: As an L2 visa holder, you can access healthcare services, apply for insurance, and participate in other benefits available to U.S. residents, helping you and your family settle comfortably.
Required Documents
Eligibility Criteria
Relationship to L1 visa holder
Primary visa holder status
Age requirement
Legal marriage requirement
Immigration status
Intent to live with L1 visa holder
Eligible for L2 Visa
Spouses (legally married) and unmarried children under 21
Must be a dependent of a valid L1 visa holder
Unmarried children under 21
Legally married to the L1 visa holder
Must be outside the U.S. or legally present at the time of application
Must intend to live with the L1 visa holder in the U.S.
Not Eligible to L2 Visa
Fiancés, domestic partners, siblings, parents, or extended family members (e.g., aunts, uncles, cousins)
Dependents of any visa holders other than L1 (e.g., H1B, B1/B2 visa holders)
Children over 21 or married children
Common-law partners, domestic partnerships, or fiancés are not eligible unless legally married
Those unlawfully present in the U.S. at the time of application or those with unresolved immigration issues
Those not planning to reside with the L1 visa holder (e.g., living separately in the U.S. or another country)
Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. If you are applying for your child, make sure their passport also meets this requirement.
Form DS-160 Confirmation: Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and print the confirmation page with the barcode. You will need this for your visa interview.
Visa Fee Payment Receipt: Proof of payment of the non-refundable visa application fee. Keep this receipt as it will be required during your interview.
Passport-Style Photo: Provide a recent, color passport-sized photo that meets U.S. visa photo guidelines.
Proof of Relationship to L1 Visa Holder:
For Spouses: Original and copy of the marriage certificate showing that you are legally married to the L1 visa holder.
For Children: Birth certificate or adoption papers proving you are the child of the L1 visa holder and are under 21 years of age.
Copy of the L-1 Visa Holder’s Documents: Include copies of the L1 visa holder’s valid passport, visa, and I-797 approval notice or I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) to prove their legal status in the U.S.
Employment Proof of L-1 Holder: A letter from the L-1 visa holder’s employer verifying their job position, salary, and the duration of their stay in the U.S. This helps demonstrate that the primary visa holder is actively employed.
Proof of Intent to Return Home: Although not always required, it’s helpful to bring evidence of ties to your home country, such as property ownership, a job offer, or family ties that indicate you plan to return after the visa period ends.
Visa Interview Appointment Confirmation: Print the confirmation of your visa interview appointment, which you will need to show at the embassy or consulate.
Medical Insurance and Exams (if required): Some U.S. consulates may request proof of medical insurance or a medical examination, especially for children, so check the specific requirements of your embassy or consulate.
Additional Documents: Bring any other documents that may support your application, such as school enrollment letters for children, proof of previous U.S. visas, or any other relevant paperwork that shows your ties and intentions.
Step 1: Gather all required documents
Step 2: Complete Form DS-160
Step 3: Pay the application fee
Step 4: Schedule a visa interview
Step 5: Attend your visa interview
Step 6: Receive your visa
L2 Visa Processing Fees
Having a skilled immigration attorney on your side can make a huge difference. At Manifest Law, we specialize in L2 visas and are here to guide you through each step of the process, making sure your application is thorough and meets all necessary criteria.
We offer flexible payment plans over up to 6 months and provide a visa-approved or money-back guarantee (terms apply).
Reach out today for a free consultation to see how we can simplify your L2 visa application and boost your chances of approval.
How long is an L2 visa valid for the USA?
The L2 visa is typically valid for the same duration as the L1 visa held by your spouse or parent. This means that as long as the L1 visa is valid, your L2 visa will be too. If the L1 visa is renewed or extended, your L2 visa can also be extended to match. It's important to keep track of the visa expiration dates and apply for extensions if needed.
Which is better: L1 or L2 visa?
The L1 and L2 visas serve different purposes, so "better" depends on your situation. The L1 visa is for employees of international companies being transferred to a U.S. branch, while the L-2 visa is for the dependents of L1 visa holders.
If you're the primary worker and want to be employed in the U.S., the L1 visa is the way to go. However, if you're a spouse or child of an L1 visa holder, the L2 visa allows you to live and work in the U.S.
Read more about the L1 visa in our comprehensive guide.
Can L2 holders apply for a green card?
Yes, L2 visa holders can apply for a green card, but the process isn't automatic. As an L2 visa holder, you would need to follow the same green card application procedures as any other applicant. This often involves finding a qualifying family member or employer who can sponsor you for permanent residency. If your L1 spouse or parent transitions to a green card, this might also positively impact your own application for permanent residency.
Can a L2 visa be converted to L1?
An L2 visa cannot be directly converted to an L1 visa. The L1 visa is for individuals who are being transferred to the U.S. in a managerial or executive role or have specialized knowledge, while the L-2 visa is for dependents of L1 visa holders. If you want to switch to an L1 visa, you would need to apply separately, meet the eligibility requirements, and go through the application process for the L1 visa.
Does a L2 visa need an interview?
For the L2 visa application process, an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate is generally required. During this interview, you'll need to provide documentation proving your relationship to the L1 visa holder and your eligibility for the visa.
Can a L2 visa holder travel to the US without L1?
You do not need to travel at the same time as long as you both have valid visas, but the L2 visa is dependent on the L1 visa holder’s status. If the L1 visa holder's status changes, it could affect your ability to travel or stay in the U.S.
Can I study on a L2 visa?
Yes, as an L2 visa holder, you are allowed to study in the U.S. You can enroll in educational institutions, from primary schools to universities, without any special permits.
