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What does an L2 visa mean, who can get one, and what documents are needed?

TeamAckoJul 11, 2024

It's possible for you to join your partner or parent in the United States if they have an L1 visa. The L2 visa is helpful for families of people with an L1 visa. This blog will tell you everything you need to know about the L2 visa, including what it requires, what it can do for you, and how to apply for it.

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Contents

What does an L2 visa mean?
L2 visa requirements
Benefits of the L2 Visa
What documents are required for the L2 visa application?
L2 visa processing time
How long is an L2 visa valid?
How to Apply for an L2 Visa?
L2 visa fee
How ACKO Can Help?
Frequently Asked Questions on F1 Visa

What does an L2 visa mean?

The L2 visa is a non-immigrant visa specifically designed for the dependents of L1 visa holders. L1 visas allows the holders to bring their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to join them in the U.S. during their stay through the L2 visa. This visa type is only applicable to the applicant’s dependent spouses and unmarried, minor children to facilitate family unity and also allow spouses and children to work and study in the U.S. while accompanying their partner.

L2 visa requirements

To be eligible for an L2 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Link to L1 Visa Holder: You must be married to or the kid (under 21) of an L1 visa holder who is not married.
Valid L1 Status: The L1 visa must be valid, and the holder must be actively employed in the U.S. by the sponsoring company.
Real Relationship: You need to show proof that you are related to the person holding the L1 visa. For example, a marriage certificate or birth certificate for children is enough proof.

Benefits of the L2 Visa

The L2 visa has a number of advantages that make it a good choice for family members of L1 visa holders:

Job Opportunities: People with an L2 visa can apply for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), which lets them officially work in the U.S.
Studies: To study, people with an L2 visa can take classes or go to college in the U.S.
Travel Flexibility: People with an L2 visa can go in and out of the U.S. as they please as long as their visa is still good.

What documents are required for the L2 visa application?

If you want to apply for an L2 visa, you usually need:

A valid passport
Your spouse or parent must hold a valid L1 visa
If you are the spouse, provide a valid marriage certificate
Wedding photos
Wedding invitations: both sides
If you are a child, provide a valid birth certificate
Completed Form DS-160
Passport-sized photograph that meets U.S. visa requirements
Proof of payment for the visa application fee
Proof of financial support
Anything else the U.S. government or consulate asks for

L2 visa processing time

If you want to get an L2 visa, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You should apply for the visa as soon as possible to make sure you have enough time for processing before the trip.

How long is an L2 visa valid?

The L2 visa is typically valid for the same duration as the L1 visa. This means that if the L1 visa holder’s visa is valid for 7 years, the L2 visa will also be valid for 7 years. If the L1 visa holder receives an extension, the L2 visa holder can also apply for an extension. As long as the L2 visa and the L1 visa holder’s status are valid, L2 visa holders can travel in and out of the U.S. without restrictions. Thus, the L2 visa holder's status is contingent upon the L1 visa holder maintaining their valid status. If the L1 visa holder loses their status or leaves the U.S. permanently, the L2 visa holder's status will also end.

How to Apply for an L2 Visa?

If you want to get an L2 visa, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go online and fill out the DS-160 form.

Step 2: Use your SEVIS ID to pay the fee.

Step 3: Go to the USTravelDocs website and make a profile by signing up.

Step 4: Pay the fee to apply for a visa.

Step 5: Set up a time to get your visa.

Step 6: Attend the VAC appointment. Complete fingerprinting and photo.

Step 7: Attend the visa interview with your DS-160 documents.

Step 8: Wait for the approval.

Step 9: Check your visa status: After the interview, you can check your visa status on the CEAC website.

L2 visa fee

The cost to apply for an L-2 visa is $185. This fee must be paid in order for the US Embassy to look at your application. According to the rules of your home country and how it works with the US, you may also have to pay other fees, like visa exchange fees.

How ACKO Can Help?

You can now easily apply for a USA visa for Indians through ACKO. We provide end-to-end assistance, from document submission to visa approval, and deliver your approved visa to your doorstep. Along with visa assistance, ACKO also offers comprehensive international travel insurance, ensuring you're covered for any unforeseen circumstances. Enjoy a seamless and hassle-free visa application experience and travel with peace of mind through ACKO.

Frequently Asked Questions on F1 Visa

FAQs

Can L2 visa holders work in the U.S.?

Yes, L2 visa holders can work in the U.S. after obtaining an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD).

How long is the L2 visa valid?

The L2 visa is valid for the same duration as the L1 visa holder's stay in the U.S., which can be up to 7 years.

Can an L2 visa be extended?

Yes, an L2 visa can be extended with the L1 visa holder’s extension.

Do I need to bring original documents to the VAC and visa interview?

Yes, you should bring both the originals and copies of the papers to both the VAC interview and the visa interview.

Can L2 visa holders travel outside the U.S. and re-enter?

Yes, L2 visa holders can travel outside the U.S. and re-enter as long as their visa is valid.

Can L2 visa holders study in the U.S.?

Yes, L2 visa holders can study full-time or part-time in the U.S.

Does an L2 visa get rejected?

Yes, an L2 visa can be rejected for several reasons, such as incomplete or inaccurate documentation, inadequate proof of relationship, failure to attend the visa interview, and others.

Can an L2 child work?

No, children on an L2 visa are not authorised to work in the United States.

What is the age limit for an L2 visa?

Dependents, including children, qualify for L2 visas as long as they meet the requirements as dependents of the L1 visa holder (such as being a spouse or unmarried child under 21 years old).

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet.