United States•North America

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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

USD $625–$675

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Duration of L-1 holder's status

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$52,000

Quality of Life

185/200

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.

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Cost Breakdown

MRVUSD $205

Form I-539 (online)USD $420

Form I-539 (paper)USD $470

TotalUSD $625–$675

Processing Time

Consular Processing	1–3 months
USCIS Form I-539	6 months – 1.2 years

Stay & Extensions

Status type

Tied 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.