United States•North America1-3 months
1,095 USD
Duration of L-1 holder's status
Yes
Not Required
Not Specified
Available
Not Required
Spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of an L-1 visa holder. Spouse automatically receives work authorization.
The L-2 is a US dependent visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an L-1 intracompany transferee. No separate petition is needed — dependents apply at the consulate using the principal's L-1 petition, or file Form I-539 to extend or change status once in the US.
Stay mirrors the L-1 holder's status and renews with it. Spouses are employment authorized incident to status — no EAD required — and may work for any US employer. Children may study but cannot work. Dual intent is permitted, allowing the family to pursue permanent residence alongside the L-1 principal.
This visa is ideal for spouses and children of L-1 visa holders relocating to the US for an intracompany assignment, especially dual-career couples who want unrestricted work rights.
MRV | 205 USD |
Form I-539 (online) | 420 USD |
Form I-539 (paper) | 470 USD |
| Consular Processing | 1 month – 3 months |
| USCIS Form I-539 | 6 months – 1.2 years |
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Must be the spouse or unmarried child (under 21) of a principal L-1 visa holder.
The L-1 visa holder must have a valid L-1 status.
Must intend to accompany or follow to join the L-1 visa holder in the U.S.
Must be admissible to the United States.
Education
none or higher
Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay).
Form DS-160 confirmation page.
Visa fee payment receipt.
Recent passport-style photograph.
Proof of relationship (original marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children).
Copy of the L-1 visa holder's Form I-797 approval notice.
Copy of the L-1 visa holder's passport and visa.
Employment verification letter from the L-1 holder's employer.
| Application Steps | Ensure the L-1 principal has an approved Form I-129 petition.; Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmig… | travel.state.gov |
| Fee Breakdown | MRV: 205 USD; Form I-539 (online): 420 USD; Form I-539 (paper): 470 USD | uscis.gov |
| Fees | $205 MRV / $420 Form I-539 (online) / $470 Form I-539 (paper) | uscis.gov |
| Forms | DS-160 | uscis.gov |
| Forms · DS-160 · description | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | travel.state.gov |
| Forms · I-539 | name: I-539, description: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, url: https://www.uscis.g… | uscis.gov |
| Included Nationalities | — | uscis.gov |
| Job Offer Required | false | uscis.gov |
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