BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
L-2 — Dependent of L-1
VisasUnited StatesL-2 — Dependent of L-1
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

L-2 — Dependent of L-1

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month – 1.2 years

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

$625–$675 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Duration of L-1 holder's status

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

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.

United States

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

MRV$205 USD
Form I-539 (online)$420 USD
Form I-539 (paper)$470 USD
Total$625–$675 USD

Processing Time

Consular Processing1–3 months
USCIS Form I-5396 months – 1.2 years

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

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.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Spouses are authorized to work in the U.S. incident to status (no separate EAD required for spouses, though they may apply for one).
  • Dependents can study full-time or part-time without a separate student visa.
  • Allows families to remain together during the L-1 holder's assignment.
  • Multiple entries allowed during the visa's validity period.
  • Qualification for a driver's license.

Worth Knowing

  • Status is strictly tied to the L-1 principal; if the L-1 loses status, the L-2 status ends.
  • L-2 children are not qualifying for work authorization.
  • Must maintain nonimmigrant intent (though L-1/L-2 allows for 'dual intent' in many cases, it is important to consult counsel regarding green card applications).
  • If the L-1 holder changes employers or status, the L-2 status may be affected.

Application Process

1

Ensure the L-1 principal has an approved Form I-129 petition.

2

Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) for each applicant.

3

Pay the non-refundable MRV application fee ($205).

4

Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

5

If already in the U.S. in another status, file Form I-539 to change status to L-2.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online

Verified Claims (38)

Last verified Jul 2, 2026
Application Steps
Ensure the L-1 principal has an approved Form I-129 petition.; Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmig…
uscis.gov
Blockers
—
uscis.gov
Can Convert To
—
uscis.gov
Categories
family
uscis.gov
Code
us-l-2
uscis.gov
Criminal Policy
Case-by-case
uscis.gov
Dual Intent
true
uscis.gov
Fee Breakdown
MRV: 205 USD; Form I-539 (online): 420 USD; Form I-539 (paper): 470 USD
uscis.gov
Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$51,000
Quality of Life
186/200
Full Country Guide

Ready to see if the L-2 — Dependent of L-1 is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery