L-2 Visa: Meaning, Eligibility Criteria, Application Process, Documents & Fees Required
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.
What Is an L-2 Visa?
An L-2 visa of the US is a non-immigrant permit that allows eligible dependents of L-1 visa holders to visit the United States.
What Are the Eligibility Parameters to Qualify for an L-2 Visa?
The eligibility criteria that individuals must fulfil to avail an L-2 visa are stated below:
- The spouse of an individual who will apply for an L-2 visa on the latter's behalf must be an eligible holder of an L-1 visa.
- Children of an L-1 visa bearer must age under 21 years and should be unmarried.
How to Apply for an L-2 Visa?
Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for an L-2 visa:
Step 1: Applicants must fill in the Form DS-160 with personal and other required details and upload a recent photograph. Take a printout of the confirmation page of this application form where the DEAC barcode is available.
Step 2: Pay the appropriate visa application fee and keep the receipt for future reference.
Step 3: Schedule a slot for an interview. This is valid for applicants aged more than 13 but less than 79 years. After booking a convenient slot, applicants will receive an appointment letter required later during the application process.
What Are the Documents Required for an L-2 Visa?
Keep the following documents ready while applying for an L-2 visa:
- Passport with a validity of over 6 months from the expiry date of the visa
- Photograph as per the requirement
- Payment receipt
- Appointment letter
- Confirmation page of the DS-160
- Photocopies of Form I-129, Form I-797 and Form I-129S (applicable for L blanket petitions)
- Photocopies of L-1 visa holder's passport and visa
- Employment letter of current and previous employer of the L-1 visa holder
- Birth certificate to prove L-1 visa holder's relationship with children and marriage certificate, wedding receipts, album, photographs of marriage registry etc. to prove a relationship with the spouse
- If an L-1 visa holder is in the United States, they must submit their payslips.
What Is the Application Fee of an L-2 Visa?
Applicants need to pay an application fee of around $154.99. Besides, every non-immigrant above 15 years must pay $154.99, and $15.49 for those under 15 years.
What Is the Processing Time Taken for an L-2 Visa Application?
It takes approximately 15 days to 1 month to process the application request for an L-2 visa. However, time may vary based on an embassy's workload.
How to Check Application Status of an L-2 Visa?
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.
What Is the Validity & Renewal Process of L-2 Visa?
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.
What Are the Benefits That an L-2 Visa Offers?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the documents required for an L-2 visa stamping?
A copy of Form I-129, marriage certificate or other proof of marriage, a copy of L-1 visa and passport, IT returns, payslips and bank statements for the last 6 months of an L-1 visa holder are a few documents that an applicant must submit for an L-2 visa stamping.
Can an L-2 visa holder change their visa status to other permits?
Yes, L-1 visa holders can alter their visa status to other permits like B-1, H-1, B-2, H-4 (applicable when a primary visa holder bears an H-1 status) and L-1.