Global companies, including those in the US, increasingly rely on international talent to remain competitive, innovative, and scalable. As businesses expand across borders, the ability to relocate essential employees and support their families has become a crucial part of workforce recruitment strategy. This is because tech professionals with families seeking to relocate to the US on an L1 Visa usually consider their families before embarking on that journey. As such, the L2 Visa exists to address this concern. This visa also allows dependents to accompany L1 Visa transferees to the US while enjoying significant rights of their own. This article explains the L2 Visa, including its significance in the tech sector, its role in supporting both career growth and family stability, and the application process.
Understanding the L2 Visa
The L2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued to the dependents of L1 Visa holders. The L1 Visa is designed for intra-company transferees, that is, employees who move from a foreign office to a US branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
While the L1 Visa enables the relocation of executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers, the L2 Visa provides the necessary framework for families to remain united. The validity of the L2 Visa entirely depends on the primary L1 holder maintaining their legal work status in the US.
Why L2 Visa Matters for the Global Tech Talent Workforce
When companies ask tech professionals to relocate, family considerations can become a significant challenge. As a global tech talent, the L2 Visa supports you and your family in the following ways:
Employment Eligibility for Spouses
The L2 Visa benefits the partners of tech professionals with career ambitions. This is because the visa allows the spouses of L1 Visa holders to work in the US without needing a specific job offer. Additionally, your spouse doesn’t need to apply for a separate Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to work in the US, provided their Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record accurately reflects their spousal status.
Access to Education
With the L2 Visa, your children can also join you to enter the US. However, to qualify, your children must be unmarried and under the age of 21. Additionally, your children and spouse can enrol in US educational institutions without needing a separate student visa. Your children can attend primary or secondary school, and your spouse can pursue higher education or vocational school.
Legal Residence in the US
The L2 Visa ensures that you and your dependents (spouse and children) don’t stay apart while performing your job duties in the US. This visa also ensures that your dependents remain in the US legally without violating the immigration rules. Whilst living as legal residents in the US, your spouse can obtain a US driver’s license and open a bank account. It can also help your spouse get a Social Security Number, which is essential for employment and building credit while in the US.
How the L2 Visa Supports Long-term Career Planning
While the L2 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa, it supports long-term professional strategies in various ways:
Career Continuity for Spouses
The work authorization your spouse gets with an L2 Visa doesn’t tie them to a specific employer. As such, your spouse can change jobs and pursue freelance opportunities. Additionally, your spouse can also launch their own business, which is ideal for maintaining career continuity while accompanying you (as the L1 Visa holder).
Professional Development
With an L2 Visa, your spouse can pursue full-time education, including university education, without needing a separate student visa. This enables skill enhancement, certification, or the pursuit of advanced degrees to support long-term career objectives. Additionally, it allows individuals to upskill, obtain US certifications, or transition into new industries.
Dual Intent Compatibility
The L2 Visa is a dual-intent visa, as holders (your spouse and unmarried children under 21) can legally live with you (the L1 Visa holder) in the US and pursue permanent residence (Green Card), often alongside you. This ensures that your dependents don’t jeopardize their nonimmigrant status.
Application Process for US L2 Visa
Applicants (your spouse and your unmarried children under the age of 21) must file for the L2 Visa to accompany you to the US. To apply for the L2 Visa, applicants need to comply with the steps below:
Complete Form DS-160
Fill out the Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) for each dependent and print the confirmation page with the barcode. This form collects the applicant’s personal, travel, and background information to determine visa eligibility.
Pay Application Fee
Applicants must pay a $205 application fee for the L2 Visa. To pay the required application fee, applicants must generate a payment deposit slip and pay at an approved local bank. The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, and is required before booking an interview. After making the payment, applicants should retain the receipt for future reference.
Schedule an Appointment
Upon confirmation of the application fee payment, applicants must select an interview date at the nearest US embassy or consulate. At the appointment, the consular officers would want to verify the applicant’s relationship with you (the L1 Visa holder).
Following that, applicants must also submit their biometric information (fingerprints and photograph). Additionally, applicants must also provide various documents, including:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended period of stay.
- Completed Form DS-160.
- Visa fee receipt.
- A passport photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
- Evidence of relationship, such as original marriage and birth certificates for dependents (spouses and children).
- The sponsor’s documents:
- A copy of the L1 Visa.
- An approved I-797 petition (for the L1 Visa).
- An employment verification letter.
- An I-94 record to verify legal status.
Received the Visa
Upon a successful application, applicants will receive their passport with a visa stamp. With this visa, your dependents can join you when entering the US as a Global tech talent.
Conclusion
The L2 visa plays a crucial role in supporting the global tech workforce by allowing families to stay together, rather than being apart. This visa route also supports career growth, family stability, and long-term integration into the US tech ecosystem. With the L2 Visa, global talent doesn’t have to choose between professional opportunity and their family’s well-being. As such, it provides a balance that is increasingly essential in today’s interconnected tech world. For a higher chance of success in securing the L2 Visa, an immigration lawyer can assist your spouse and eligible children to submit a comprehensive application that meets the US nonimmigrant visa application standards.
