Every expatriate wishes to unite with his or her family members despite working outside his or her origin country. An L-2 visa allows an L-1 visa holder to bring in their dependents to solve this issue. This article highlights essential details about this visa so that applicants can get a clear idea before applying for it.

An L-2 visa allows the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders to enter the U.S. It is valid for the same duration as the L-1 visa, up to seven years. 

Spouses can apply for work authorisation, while children can attend school but not work. L-2 visa holders can live, work (with authorisation), study, and travel in and out of the U.S. during the visa's validity. 

Yes, an Indian citizen needs an L2 visa if they are the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an L1 visa holder. This visa allows them to live in the U.S. with their family member who is on a work transfer visa. Essentially, the L2 visa is for dependents of L1 visa holders.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for obtaining an L2 visa. However, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance when travelling to the United States as it provides coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other emergencies that may arise during your stay.

To be eligible for an L-2 visa as an Indian citizen, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Relationship to L-1 Visa Holder:

You must be the spouse or an unmarried child under the age of 21 of an L-1 visa holder.

2. Valid L-1 Visa:

The principal L-1 visa holder must have a valid L-1 visa and be maintaining their status in the U.S.

3. Proof of Relationship:

You must provide documentation proving your relationship to the L-1 visa holder, such as a marriage certificate for spouses or a birth certificate for children.

4. Intent to Depart:

You must demonstrate that you intend to depart the U.S. when the L-1 visa holder's status ends.

Applying for an L-2 visa from India involves several steps. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 form online and upload your photograph. Once completed, print the confirmation page with the CEAC barcode.

Step 2: Pay the Visa Fee

Pay the visa application fee. You can pay this fee online or at designated banks.

Step 3: Schedule Appointments

Book two appointments—one for your biometrics (OFC) and the other for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Step 4: Attend the Biometrics Appointment

Go to the designated centre for your biometrics appointment, where your fingerprints and photographs will be taken.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents, including:

• Valid passport

• DS-160 confirmation page

• Visa fee receipt

• Appointment confirmation

• Marriage certificate (for spouses)

• Birth certificate (for children)

• Principal applicant's (L-1 holder) documents

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

Attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Be sure to bring all required documents and be prepared to answer questions about your relationship to the L-1 visa holder and your intent to return to India after the L-1 visa holder's stay.

The processing time for an L-2 visa for Indian citizens typically ranges from 15 days to 1 month. However, it can vary based on factors such as the volume of applications and the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

To check the application status of an L-2 visa, follow the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit the official portal of USCIS and navigate to the 'Check your case status' option'.

Step 2: Enter the 13-digit receipt number and click on 'Check Status' to view the application status.

The validity of an L-2 visa is similar to the validity of an L-1 visa. This means that an L-2 visa holder can stay in the US until the L-1 visa holder qualifies to remain in this country. 

The renewal of an L-2 visa depends on the renewal or extension of the L-1 visa. An L-2 visa holder can visit the US embassy or consulate or apply for an extension or renewal during their stay in the US. However, if an L-2 visa holder chooses the first option, they need to stay outside the country for a few weeks.

Apply early:

Processing times can vary, so apply well before your trip.

Check Documents:

Make sure all your documents are valid, complete, and translated into English if needed.

Avoid Scams:

Be cautious of scams. Don't trust offers that promise quick approval for a fee.

Trustworthy Sources:

Reliable sources won't pressure you or ask for unusual payments.

Make Copies:

Copy your documents before submitting them. Use certified copies for important papers if needed.

An L-2 visa holder enjoys the following benefits:

• L-2 visa holders can do full-time jobs in the United States after receiving an EAD or Employment Authorization Document. 
• Applicants can reside in the United States as long as an L-1 visa holder stays in the United States based on his or her staying duration.
• Applicants can also choose to enrol themselves in full-time academic courses.
• L-2 visa holders can return to or leave the US for travelling purposes.

So, aspiring applicants must know the details mentioned above about an L-2 visa to apply for it without any inconvenience.

If your L-2 visa application is rejected, understand the reason given by the consular officer, which could be due to incomplete documentation, lack of eligibility, or failure to show intent to return home. You can reapply after fixing the issues by providing additional documents.

• To avoid an L-2 visa rejection, make sure your application is complete and accurate. 

• Provide strong proof of your relationship to the L-1 visa holder, show you have enough financial support, and clearly state your intent to return home after your stay in the U.S. 

• It's also a good idea to have an immigration attorney review your application before you submit it.
  

Yes, you can extend your L-2 visa. To do this, file Form I-539 with USCIS, including supporting documents like your passport, current L-2 visa, and proof of relationship to the L-1 visa holder. 

Ensure the L-1 visa holder's status is valid, and they have filed for an extension if needed. Attend a biometrics appointment if required. Applying for the extension well before your visa expires is best.