If you are planning to work in the United States on an L1 visa, one of the most pressing questions you may have is whether or not your spouse can also work. This is an important issue to consider, as it can have a significant impact on your family’s finances and overall well-being. In this article, we’ll address some common questions related to spouses working on L1 visas and provide some guidance on what you need to know.

What is an L1 Visa?

Before delving into the question of whether or not a spouse can work on an L1 visa, it’s important to first understand what an L1 visa is and the context in which it is typically used.

An L1 visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign company to transfer an employee to work in a U.S. branch, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of that same company. There are two types of L1 visas:

• L1A visa: For executives or managers who are being transferred to work in a managerial or executive capacity in the United States.
• L1B visa: For employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred to work in the United States.

Both L1A and L1B visas are valid for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions. L1 visa holders are allowed to bring their immediate family members with them to the United States on an L2 visa.

Can a Spouse Work on an L1 Visa?

The short answer is yes, a spouse can work in the United States on an L2 visa. However, there are some important things to keep in mind.

First, it’s important to note that spouses of L1 visa holders are not automatically granted work authorization. In order to work, they must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This process can take several months, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

Once a spouse has obtained an EAD, they are free to work in the United States in any legal capacity. This means that they are not limited to working for the same company that the L1 visa holder is employed with. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the number of hours that they can work.

What Else Can a Spouse Do While on an L2 Visa?

While waiting for an EAD to be approved, spouses of L1 visa holders can still engage in a number of activities in the United States. One thing they can do is attend school or university, either on a full- or part-time basis. They can also engage in unpaid volunteer work, as well as seek out and interview for potential employment opportunities.

It’s worth noting that spouses of L1 visa holders are not eligible for certain federal benefits while in the United States. This includes programs such as Social Security and Medicare, which are only available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

Key Takeaways

• Spouses of L1 visa holders can work in the United States on an L2 visa, but they must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS.
• It can take several months for an EAD to be approved, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
• Once an EAD is obtained, spouses are free to work in any legal capacity in the United States.
• Spouses of L1 visa holders can also attend school, engage in unpaid volunteer work, and interview for potential employment opportunities.
• Spouses of L1 visa holders are not eligible for certain federal benefits while in the United States.

Conclusion

In summary, spouses of L1 visa holders can work in the United States on an L2 visa, but they must first obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS. The process can take several months, so it’s important to plan accordingly. In the meantime, spouses can engage in a number of other activities while in the United States.

If you have any questions about L1 visas or the process of obtaining an EAD, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance.

FAQ

Can a spouse of an L1 visa holder work in the United States?

Yes, a spouse can work in the United States on an L2 visa, but they must first obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the USCIS.

How long does it take to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?

It can take several months for an EAD to be approved, so it’s important to plan accordingly.

What else can a spouse do while waiting for an EAD to be approved?

Spouses of L1 visa holders can attend school, engage in unpaid volunteer work, and interview for potential employment opportunities.