Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for L2 visa holders

L2 visa holder are eligible to work in USA, with a permission or approved EAD card. An approved EAD allows to work or business. To obtain an EAD card, you must file the following documents with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

E-file I-765 your application online or Download and Complete Form I-765 , Application for Employment Authorization Online. Filing fee - Check or money order for $380( As of Nov, 23, 2010). Two identical color photographs as per the acceptable specifications. Copy of your current passport Copy of the USCIS Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Document issued to you when you entered the U.S. Copy of L1 petition , I94 as a evidence that you are a spouse of the principal visa holder.

E- Filing for EAD application

EAD application can also be filed electronically online at USCIS website. Helpful links :

Employment authorization Form I-765 information Guide and instructions.

If you are E-Filing Form I-765, you do NOT need to submit paper photographs. However, you will need to go to one of USCIS Application Support Centers for the electronic capture of a photograph, fingerprints and signature.

What after filing the case?

Once you file the case, USCIS will send you a receipt with a receipt number( 13 digit) this is your case number. The approximate processing time will be indicated on the receipt. It can take few weeks to several weeks to process your case. You can Check EAD Status online at USCIS using case/receipt number. Or call National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283 Note: If you do not hear from USCIS within 90 days, you can go to the nearest USCIS by taking an infopass appointment and obtain an interim EAD card. Once you case is approved you will receive a plastic EAD card. The validly period of this EAD will be written on the EAD card. The validity of EAD is also depends on the primary L1 holders L1 status, if the spouse lost his/her L1 status , the L2 becomes void and hence the EAD becomes invalid too. How do I apply for L-2 visa? For L2 visa application, you must submit: Completed visa application along with the applicable draft amount Original and valid passport Two recent color photographs
Original marriage certificate Four to five marriage photographs in case you are an L-2 spouse. Photographs must be very clear and easy to identify both the bride, and the bridegroom Copy of your parent's or spouse's L-1 approval Parent's or Spouse's employment verification letter Demand draft for visa application fee Demand draft for visa issuance fee

L2 visa interview questions

L2 visa is issued to a dependent (Spouse of children) of a L1 visa holder. Although the interview process is straight forward, consulate officer still want to make sure that the applicants are indeed are immediate family members( Spouse and children) of the L1 visa holder. L2 visa can be applied along with L1 visa Or after the L1 visa issued. Following are some of the common questions, you can expect during the interview.

Questions about the Visa

What type/kind of visa are you applying for? When did your husband get his stamping? Why do you need a visa to USA? Why did you not come with your husband for the interview? ( If you are applying separately?) If going after spouse has left to USA: Why did you not leave with your spouse or why are you coming today for visa when you got married on so and so date? Who filed the visa application and where did you file it? Who made the interview appointment? I see that you have been rejected earlier, do you know why? (Possible question, if you have been rejected before)

Questions about Your Marriage

When did you get married or what is your date of marriage? When did you meet your spouse for the first time? How did you meet your spouse? Where did you get married? Is your marriage registered? Can I see some wedding photographs? Can I see your marriage certificate?

Questions about You

What do you do ? Where are you staying currently?

Who are you staying with? Where will you stay in USA? Who will bare the expenses while you are in USA or who will financially support you in the US? Who will pay for your trip to the US? Do any of your relatives/friends live in USA? Do you plan to Work in US? Do you plan to Study in USA ?

Questions about your L1 visa spouse

What is your spouse's date of birth? Which university did your spouse graduate from? What is your spouse's highest degree? Which company does your spouse work for? Who is sponsoring in your husbands L1 visa? Where is his employer located? Where are his clients located? What kind of work does your spouse do at the USA Company? How long has your spouse been in USA? How long has your spouse been working for the sponsoring company? What will you do after your visa is completed/expired? How much he is earning or what is the pay of your spouse or what is the annual income of your spouse? Can I see some pay stubs from your spouse's paycheck? Can I have a look at your spouse's bank statements? Have your spouse applied for green card?