L2 visa holders are spouses of a valid L1 visa holders ,who are hired on a contract basis by a US company through a foreign company for work.There are a lot of differences in rules and privelages between a permanent resident and a non immigrant resident in US.In the initial stages of entering US,a lot of confusion is there regarding the do’s and dont’s here. So i thought of providing a quick overview of these.
1.Work: The most common question arising is that “Can a L2 visa holder work in US”?
Answer: “YES” unlike a H4 visa holder. This is an advantage,and this can be utilized by applying for a Employment authorization document/EAD. This can be attained by applying online or through mail to the USCIS by filling a form I-765 at the cost of 340 dollars. Link to this- http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis Any person with a valid visa and I-94 can apply to this and start working once they get the EAD.
2.MEDICAL INSURANCE /CAR INSURANCE /SCHOOL BENEFITS: A person on a L2 visa can attain all the benefits of medical/car insurance; Can also have his /her child admitted for a public school ;use a public library.
3.DRIVING LICENSE: A L2 visa holder must have a valid driver’s licensefrom the state DMV office though they posses their countries driver’s license. They can take a written test for a temporary instruction permit ,which is valid for a period of 6 months to 1 year and meanwhile practice and give a behind the wheels driving test and attain a driver’s license. A few states give a grant for L2 visa holder’s to drive for the first 6 months with their countries driver’s license.
4.STUDIES: A L2 visa holder can have an added advantage of studying at US,and obtaining degrees from universities until they have a valid visa .But they need to make the financial arrangements themselves or need a green card holder/permanent resident for proof/witness to obtain a loan for studies.
5.ELIGIBILITY TO STAY:A L2 visa holder has the eligibility to stay at US, only as long as the spouse who has a L1 visa is valid to stay; So if the husband’s L1 visa expires and has to go back,then even a wife has to go back because her L2 VISA is invalid henceforth. Even in case of a divorce ,the spouse cannot stay back with the same visa status.He/she may have to apply for a different visa(H1 or F1 student visa)or may have to marry a permanent resident of the US,in order to continue staying.. ;)
6.BUYING A PROPERTY: A L2 visa holder can own a property under the L1 visa status ,provided they have their cash paid;but if financing is needed ,then again it would be a problem.There are different norms to be followed by a bank/finance company to issue a loan .They may have to take help from some green card holder /home country property as collateral/proof.
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