Who Can Come with You on an L‑2 Visa?
The U.S. allows immediate family of L‑1 visa holders to apply for L‑2 status:
- Your spouse
- Your children under 21, as long as they are not married
Note: Parents, siblings, and older children do not qualify for L‑2 visas, but they may apply for a visitor visa (B‑2) instead.
What Is Your Family Permitted to Do on L-2 Visas?
- Spouses are automatically authorized to work in the U.S. if their I‑94 shows “L‑2S.” They can also apply for an EAD if preferred, however, it is not necessary.
- Children can study in U.S. schools or colleges without needing a student visa.
The length of the L‑2 visa matches the L‑1 holder’s visa duration.
How to Apply for L‑2 Visas
Option 1: Apply from Outside the U.S. (Consular Process)
- Fill out Form DS‑160 for each dependent.
- Pay the visa fee (about $185 per applicant).
- Schedule visa interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Prepare documents: passports, DS‑160 confirmations, marriage/birth certificates, L‑1 approval notice (Form I‑797), and your job letter or pay stubs.
- After approval, your family can travel to the U.S.
Option 2: Apply from Inside the U.S. (Change/Extend Status)
If your family is already in the U.S., use Form I‑539 to apply for L‑2 status or extend their stay.
What to Show at the Border
When arriving in the U.S., your family should have:
- A copy of your I‑94 and your spouse’s or parent’s I-797 L-1A approval notice.
- Marriage or birth certificates to prove the relationship
This helps avoid any delays during entry.
Special Rules for Canadian L‑2 Dependents
If you’re a Canadian citizen, your spouse and children under 21 do not need to apply for an L‑2 visa at a U.S. consulate. Instead, they can obtain L‑2 status directly at a U.S. port of entry.
What They’ll Need at the Border
When applying for admission as L‑2 dependents, Canadian family members should bring:
- Valid passports
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)
- A copy of the L‑1 principal’s:
- Approval notice (Form I‑797)
- Recent I‑94
- Employment verification letter
Where to Apply
Canadian dependents may apply at major land border crossings or U.S. airport preclearance locations. Ports like Buffalo, Champlain, and Vancouver Airport are commonly used.
Important Notes
- L‑2 status granted at the border is typically valid for the same duration as the L‑1 visa holder’s stay.
- Canadian dependents are still eligible for the same work and study benefits as other L‑2 visa holders once admitted.
This streamlined process makes it easier for Canadian families to join their L‑1 spouse or parent in the U.S. without waiting for visa appointments or consulate processing.
Work Authorization for L‑2 Spouses
There are two ways L‑2 spouses can work:
- Automatic authorization: I‑94 with code “L‑2S” is enough to work.
- Apply for an EAD: File Form I‑765 to get an official work permit.
How Long Can Your Family Stay?
L‑2 visas remain valid as long as the primary L‑1 visa is valid. If you extend your L‑1 visa, your family can extend their L‑2 visas as well. Spouses can also renew their EADs if needed.
If You Change Status Later
If you switch from an L‑1 to another visa like the H‑1B, your dependents will need to change to a compatible status, such as an H‑4. Plan ahead and consult with an immigration attorney.
Final Tips
- Spouses can work and children can study on L‑2 visas.
- Apply early and prepare all necessary documents.
- Double-check your I‑94 for correct visa codes and expiration dates.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
We Can Help!
If you have questions about being inadmissible to Canada, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
