People often relocate to countries like the USA and Europe while doing international business or seeking better job opportunities. A 2024 report shows that the non-US resident population reached 51.4 million. The reasons are better career growth, higher living standards, and more.
However, grabbing such an opportunity can be tough if you are married. Either you or your spouse relocating to another country can be stressful. However, an L-2 visa lets you continue to stay with your family. It legalizes partners and bachelor sons or daughters to live with L-1 visa holders.
However, to apply for an L-2 visa in 2024, you must consider alterations to U.S. immigration policies. All you need is our complete guide on the L-2 visa to stay updated. You'll learn about the processes and important aspects of this visa type.
Before gathering the knowledge, we must know what L-2 visas mean.
L-2 Visa Detailed Overview
L-2 is a non-immigrant status under the Immigration Law. Employers can send top-level executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. branch office or new company using L-1 visas. It is an intra-company transfer process.
As such, dependents (spouses and children of L-1 visa holders) are also entitled to an L-2 visa. With it, the lawful holder can enter and leave the U.S. at discretion if their dependent's status qualifies them. A qualified dependent of an existing Adjustment of status (AOS) applicant could enter and claim several rights if all other requirements were met (several exceptions exist).
However, L-2 visa comes with some conditions:
- Holders can not pose as citizens or permanent residents with this non-immigrant visa.
- Visa holders should fly back to their country if their accompanying L-1 holder’s visa expires.
- L-2 visa holders can not work in the country unless they get their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) approved.
L-2 visas have a few upsides despite the employment restrictions.
These are as follows:
- Family members can benefit by living in the U.S. with their dependents.
- L-2 visa holders can attend schools, do recreational activities, and open bank accounts.
This ensures they can assimilate into American life as their spouse or parent achieves their career ambitions.
How To Apply For An L-2 Visa
While filling out the form, ensure you make no mistakes. It can halt approval or get it rejected. But, if you take the right steps given below, the process will be smooth and easy:
- Fill up the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Write down your personal and travel data on the form. Ensure there are no typos, spelling errors, or information that leads to incorrect assumptions about anything.
- Pay Application Fee: Pay the amount requested for visa processing. The U.S. Embassy or Consulate posts country-specific instructions on the fee amount.
- Set Visa Meetings: Choose a feasible date to register your fingerprints and picture. Additionally, pick another date for a visa interview with the U.S. consular officer at U.S. Consulate.
- Submit Official Papers: These include the L-1 holder's status evidence, a valid copy of their visa and petition, and other informative items mentioned in the application instructions. Unmarried people under 21 should submit their birth certificates. These documents aid you in proving your legal relation with the L-1 visa holder.
However, you should be aware of some changes in the L-2 visa policy.
Key Updates for L-2 Visa Applicants in 2024
While applying for an L-2 visa, be aware of basic changes and new requirements. Being clued into eligibility criteria, and required artifacts will be helpful. You can visit official U.S Immigration Law websites and other government backed resources for more information.
However, here are the key aspects to keep in mind this year:
1. Potential Delays in Application Processing
While quicker processing is available for several employment-based visas, L-2 applications may still see delays. The compounded backlog at USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) this year is the reason for it.
Law firms like Di Martino Law Group can help you improve your application package. This could reduce processing times, as they ensure everything is there and address any potential problems upfront. So, consider hiring professionals while applying for an L-2 visa in 2024.
2. Shift Towards Digital Application Systems
The USCIS, which was dependent on physical processing, is moving towards online entries. That does make it easier to file your visa application from the comfort of your house. However, you need to know how their online portals work. Doing so will help you complete the process with no stress.
An expert immigration lawyer can help you navigate the complexity of that online process and tackle all challenges related to digital submissions.
3. Factors for Maintaining L-2 Status
As mentioned, your validity status in L-2 depends on the L-1 visa holder's valid permit. Thus, you need to keep track of any kind of changes in L-1 status against you and their jobs. These include:
- Job Switch
- Address Change
- Marital status change (Divorce or Separation) and more.
In such instances, do the following:
- Take Immediate Action on Status Changes: Transfers of the L-1 holder to a new company or job role and travel will affect your status as an L-2 visa holder. So, be sure to get legal guidance to keep you in compliance with L-2 visa rules and take the needed steps with the changes in L-1 holder status.
- Report Change of Address: As an L-2 visa holder, you must notify USCIS within ten days if you change your address. You risk overlooked notices or delays in receiving crucial paperwork without doing so.
- Extend or Change L-2 Status: You can stay longer than your visa's expiration date or modify your visa status. However, you must submit the extension form to USCIS as early as possible. Ensure to track deadlines.
- Maintain Dependence on the L-1 Visa Holder: You must keep your relationship status valid with the L-1 holder. If your marital status changes - such as through divorce or if the L-1 holder loses their immigration status-you must notify USCIS immediately.
Become L-2 Visa Holder Effortlessly
Although there have not been any major new legal shifts regarding L-2 visas recently, the application process still can be complicated. After all, even small mistakes can cause your application to be held up or flat-out refused.
Thus, these policy changes can be valuable for your L-2 visa approval journey. This is why you must fill in complete details on each section of the form. Additionally, recheck all USCIS requirements once you complete the form. In the end, this can drastically increase your chances of success and make the transition for you and your family easier.
You can also talk to migration lawyers about any concerns you have. These professionals will make the L-2 visa application process a breeze for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which form should you file for L-2 extensions or COS with USCIS?
For both L-2 visa extensions and changes of status (COS) petitions, you'll need to use Form I-539. Submit these forms to USCIS on time.
2. Does USCIS take the same timeframe to process L-2 visas as H4 visas?
Check the USCIS website for current processing times based on your specific service center. While some service centers might have the same processing times for H4 and L-2 visas, others may differ. Thus, ensure to check the site.
3. Can you quicken the L-2 visa application with USCIS using premium processing?
Premium processing is yet to be available for L-2 visa applications.
4. Can filing an L-1 extension with premium processing quicken L-2 dependents' form processing, too?
In the past, USCIS might have expedited L-2 applications filed alongside premium L1 extensions as a courtesy. However, that does not happen nowadays. Currently, L-2 applications are processed under regular processing timelines, even if the accompanying L1 extension is filed with premium processing.
