Visa Types

Reunite Your Family in the USA with the L-2 Visa

The L-2 Visa allows dependents of L-1 Visa holders to join them in the United States, providing a pathway for families to stay connected while building a new life abroad. Whether you’re a spouse looking to work in the U.S. or a child pursuing education, the L-2 Visa offers vital benefits. However, the application process can be daunting, with challenges ranging from proving relationships to securing work authorization. At Larhdel Law, we specialize in helping families navigate these complexities and achieve a smooth transition. Call us today at 310 943 6352 for personalized assistance.

Why is the L-2 Visa Application Process Challenging?

Even straightforward applications can face obstacles, such as:

1. Incomplete Documentation: Missing or inaccurate paperwork can delay or derail the process.
2. Work Authorization Confusion: Understanding how spouses can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is crucial but often misunderstood.
3. Tying Status to the L-1 Visa Holder: Any changes to the L-1 holder’s status directly affect dependents, making compliance critical.
4. Interview Preparation: Families may struggle to address consular concerns about their plans and intent.

These hurdles require careful planning and expert guidance to overcome effectively.

How Larhdel Law Simplifies the L-2 Visa Process

Our attorneys understand the emotional and logistical challenges families face when applying for the L-2 Visa. Here’s how we help:

1. Ensuring Complete Documentation

   We guide you in gathering and organizing:

   • Valid passports for all applicants.
   • Marriage and birth certificates to prove relationships.
   • Copies of the L-1 Visa holder’s Form I-797 approval notice.
   • Evidence of ongoing L-1 status, such as pay stubs or employer letters.
2. Streamlining Work Authorization for Spouses

   The EAD application can be complex, but we simplify the process by:

   • Preparing and filing Form I-765 with supporting evidence.
   • Tracking application progress and addressing potential issues.
3. Supporting Educational Transitions for Children

   Whether enrolling in public school or pursuing higher education, we assist with:

   • Navigating school enrollment requirements.
   • Resolving documentation issues that may arise during the process.
4. Preparing for Consular Interviews

   We offer personalized coaching to help families articulate their plans and address concerns during visa interviews.

Key Features of the L-2 Visa

The L-2 Visa is specifically designed for dependents of L-1 Visa holders, offering benefits such as:

• Work Authorization for Spouses: Apply for an EAD to pursue professional opportunities.
• Educational Access for Children: Dependents can enroll in U.S. schools or colleges.
• Flexibility in Travel: L-2 Visa holders can travel freely in and out of the U.S. during their visa’s validity.

Eligibility Requirements for the L-2 Visa

To qualify for the L-2 Visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an L-1 Visa holder.
• Demonstrate your relationship to the primary visa holder through official documentation.
• Intend to depart the U.S. when the L-1 Visa expires or is terminated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Securing the L-2 Visa

1. Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

   Each dependent must submit a separate DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application online. Ensure all information is accurate and consistent.

2. Step 2: Schedule the Visa Interview

   Book an appointment at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Children under a certain age may not require an interview.

3. Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

   Gather essential documents, including:

   • Passports with at least six months of validity.
   • Marriage or birth certificates.
   • The L-1 holder’s visa and Form I-129 approval notice.
4. Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

   The fee for each L-2 Visa application is $205. Retain the receipt for your interview.

5. Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

   During the interview, be prepared to:

   • Discuss your relationship to the L-1 Visa holder.
   • Explain your intentions for education, work, or family life in the U.S.
   • Demonstrate ties to your home country if required.
6. Step 6: Await Your Visa Decision

   Most decisions are made within a few weeks. Upon approval, your visa will be stamped, and you can make travel arrangements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the L-2 Visa Process

1. Failing to Prove Relationships: Ensure your documentation clearly establishes your relationship to the L-1 Visa holder.
2. Overlooking Work Authorization Requirements: Spouses must apply for an EAD before beginning employment. Ensure this application is filed promptly to avoid delays.
3. Neglecting Compliance with L-1 Visa Status: Any lapse in the L-1 holder’s status will affect the validity of the L-2 Visa.

Success Stories from Larhdel Law

• Case 1: A Seamless Family Relocation

  An L-1A Visa holder needed to bring their spouse and two children to the U.S. We assisted with the L-2 Visa applications, ensuring all documents were accurate and complete. The family was reunited within weeks.

• Case 2: Navigating Work Authorization

  An L-2 spouse wanted to start a career in the U.S. We guided them through the EAD application, helping them secure approval quickly.

• Case 3: Supporting Educational Aspirations

  A child of an L-1 Visa holder faced enrollment issues at a U.S. high school due to missing documentation. Our team resolved the issue, allowing the student to continue their education without interruption.

Why Choose Larhdel Law for Your L-2 Visa Application?

At Larhdel Law, we offer:

• Comprehensive Support: From visa applications to work authorization, we handle every aspect of the process.
• Personalized Guidance: Our tailored strategies ensure your family’s unique needs are met.
• Expertise You Can Trust: With years of experience, we simplify even the most complex cases.

Don’t let application challenges stand in the way of reuniting your family in the United States. Contact an experienced immigration attorney today at 310 943 6352 for expert guidance on your L-2 Visa application. Let Larhdel Law make your family’s transition seamless and successful.