What is an L-2 visa?

An L-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa (https://manifestlaw.com/blog/us-visa-categories-explained/) that allows family members, specifically spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders (./l1-visa), to come and live in the United States. If your spouse or parent has been transferred to the U.S. by their company on an L-1 visa, the L-2 visa lets you join them and stay together as a family.

Because many L-1 visa holders work in a managerial or executive capacity or have specialized knowledge, the L-2 category exists to keep their families together during long-term assignments.

Benefits of the L-2 Visa

With an L-2 visa, you can live in the U.S. with your spouse or parent during their L-1 work assignment. Depending on whether you are an L-2 spouse or child, your benefits can include the ability to work, study, and obtain other day-to-day necessities while in the United States.

For many families, the L-2 visa is a practical option that helps reduce the disruption of an international transfer by allowing dependents to relocate together.

Can you work in the US with an L-2 visa?

In many cases, yes—L-2 spouses can work in the United States, and work authorization is a major advantage of L-2 status. The rules and documentation can matter, so it’s important to understand how work authorization applies in your specific situation.

L-2 children generally cannot work in the U.S. (even though they can typically attend school), and eligibility depends on being an unmarried child under 21.

L-2 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an L-2 visa, you must be the spouse or unmarried child under 21 of an L-1 visa holder. Your eligibility is tied to the principal L-1 holder’s status, and you generally need to show your qualifying family relationship and the L-1 holder’s valid status.

You should expect to document the relationship (marriage or birth certificate) and provide identity and travel documents as part of the process.

Required Documents

Required Documents for the L-2 Visa

Commonly required documents for an L-2 visa include evidence of your identity, your qualifying relationship to the L-1 visa holder, and documentation supporting the L-1 holder’s status. Exact requirements can vary depending on consulate practices and your country of application.

• Valid passport
• Proof of relationship to the L-1 visa holder (marriage certificate for spouses; birth certificate for children)
• Copy of the L-1 visa holder’s passport, visa, and status documentation
• Completed DS-160 confirmation page (for consular processing)
• Visa appointment confirmation and fee receipt (if applicable)
• Photograph(s) meeting the consulate’s requirements

You may also need supporting documents related to the L-1 principal’s employment and assignment, depending on the consulate and case circumstances.

How to Apply for an L-2 Visa

The L-2 application process typically involves preparing your documents, completing the required forms, paying applicable fees, and attending a visa interview if required by the consulate.

Below is a step-by-step overview of how L-2 applications are commonly handled in consular processing.

Step 1: Gather all required documents

Start by collecting the documents you will submit with your application, including proof of your relationship to the L-1 holder and copies of the L-1 holder’s immigration documentation.

Step 2: Complete Form DS-160

Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and save your confirmation page, as you’ll typically need it to schedule your interview and bring it to your appointment.

Step 3: Pay the application fee

Pay the required visa application fee as directed by the consulate where you are applying, and keep proof of payment.

Step 4: Schedule a visa interview

Schedule your visa interview appointment if an interview is required. Appointment availability can vary significantly by location.

Step 5: Attend your visa interview

Attend your interview with the required documents. You may be asked questions about your relationship to the L-1 holder, your plans in the U.S., and the L-1 holder’s work assignment.

Step 6: Receive your visa

If approved, you’ll receive your L-2 visa in your passport and can travel to the U.S. as permitted under the visa and related entry rules.

How long is the L-2 visa valid?

L-2 validity is generally tied to the L-1 principal’s status. In practice, that means the L-2 visa and L-2 status are often granted to align with the L-1 holder’s authorized period of stay, and can be extended if the L-1 holder extends or renews their status.

L-2 Visa Processing Time

L-2 processing time depends on where you apply and how your case is filed (for example, consular processing versus changes/extensions inside the U.S.). Consular appointment availability, administrative processing, and case complexity can all affect timing.

If timing is a concern, planning early and preparing complete documentation can help reduce avoidable delays.

L-2 Visa Processing Fees

Fees can vary based on where and how you apply. You may encounter visa application fees and other related costs depending on the consulate and your circumstances.

How Manifest Law can help

If you’re pursuing an L-2 visa for a spouse or child, having a clear strategy and clean documentation can make the process smoother. Legal support can help ensure your application is complete, consistent, and tailored to the requirements of your filing venue.

If you want assistance evaluating your situation or preparing an application, Manifest Law offers support across common visa scenarios.

Take the First Step:

If you’re ready to explore your options and want help navigating the L-2 process, the next step is to get clarity on eligibility, documentation, and timing based on your family’s situation.