L2 Visa for Indians

What is an L2 Visa?

The L2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of L1 visa holders to enter the United States. This visa's validity is tied to the validity of the L1 visa.

Updated On - 06 Sep 2025
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Eligibility Criteria for L2 Visa for Indians 

You must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for an L-2 visa as an Indian citizen: 

  1. You must be an L1 visa holder's spouse or an unmarried child under the age of 21. 
  1. The primary L-1 visa holder needs to be in the United States and have a valid L1 visa. 
  1. You must present proof of your link to the holder of the L1 visa, such as a birth certificate for children or a marriage certificate for spouses. 
  1. When an L1 visa holder's status expires, you have to show that you plan to leave the country. 

How to Apply for an L2 Visa

Applying for an L2 visa from India includes numerous processes such as: 

  1. Upload your photo and complete the DS-160 online form. After finishing, print the CEAC barcode-containing confirmation document 
  1. Pay the application fee for a visa. This fee can be paid at specific banks or online 
  1. Make two appointments: one at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your biometrics (OFC) and another for the visa interview 
  1. For your biometrics appointment, proceed to the assigned location where your photos and fingerprints will be taken 
  1. Get all the required documentation ready 
  1. Collect every necessary document, such as: 
  1. A current passport
  2. Confirmation page for DS-160 
  3. Receipt for the visa fee 
  4. Confirmation of appointment 
  5. Certificate of marriage (for spouses) 
  6. Certificate of birth (for children) 
  7. Documents of the principal applicant (L1 holder) 
  1. Be present at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa interview. Make sure that you have the necessary documents with you and be ready to respond to inquiries on your link to the L1 visa holder and your intention to return to India following their visit 

Documents Required for L2 Visa

  1. DS-160 Form Confirmation Page: Complete the DS-160 form online and print the confirmation page with the CEAC barcode.
  1. Visa Appointment Confirmation: Print the appointment confirmation letter with the interview date, time, and barcode.
  1. Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.
  1. Photographs: Passport-sized photographs as per U.S. visa requirements.
  1. Marriage Certificate: Original and copy of the marriage certificate (for spouses of L1 visa holders).
  1. Birth Certificate: Original and copy of the birth certificate (for children under 21 years of age).
  1. L1 Visa Holder’s Documents:
    1. All pages of the L1 visa holder’s passport.
    2. Copy of the L1 visa holder’s Form I-797 (Approval Notice).
    3. Employment verification letter from the L1 visa holder’s employer.
  1. Employer’s Letter: Letter from the L1 visa holder’s employer about the relationship and the purpose of travel.
  1. Income Tax Return: Copy of the L1 visa holder’s recent income tax return (or other proof of financial support).
  1. Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa application fee (USD 190).
  1. Proof of Relationship: Additional documents to prove the relationship (e.g., photos, communication records).
  1. Form I-94: Copy of the L1 visa holder’s most recent Form I-94 (arrival/departure record).
  1. Consular Processing Fee: Proof of payment for the consular processing fee (if applicable).
  1. Additional Documents: Any additional documents as requested by the U.S. consulate.

Employment on L2 Visa

L2 visa holders can work in the U.S. with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card allows the spouse of the L1 visa holder to work freely. Children of L1 visa holders are not automatically eligible to work.

L2 Visa Renewal Process

  1. The L2 visa status can be renewed with the L1 visa in the U.S.
  2. If the L1 visa is renewed, the spouse and children can extend their stay.
  3. In some cases, the visa holder may need to visit the consulate to get a new L2 visa if required.

How to Check the Application Status of an L2 Visa? 

To check the status of your L-2 visa application follow the steps given below: 

  1. Go to the Check your case status option on the USCIS official website 
  1. To examine the application status, enter the 13-digit receipt number and select Check Status. 

L2 Visa Fees for Indian Citizens 

Here is the fee structure for having L2 visa for Indian citizens as follows: 

For Indian citizens, including minors, the application price for an L2 visa is USD 190. This cost is non-refundable and must be paid in advance. Depending on the current exchange rate, the amount in Indian Rupees will fluctuate. You must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which may lead to additional fees, if you want to work in the United States on an L2 visa. 

Type of Visa 

Fees in US dollars 

Fees in Indian rupees 

L2 Spouse Visa 

$185 

Rs.16,008.87 

L2 Children Visa 

$185 

Rs.16,008.87 

Benefits of L2 Visa 

Here are some of the benefits of L2 visa: 

  1. After obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), holders of L2 visas are permitted to work full-time in the United States 
  1. If an L1 visa holder remains in the country for the duration of their stay, applicants are permitted to live there 
  1. Another option available to applicants is to enroll in full-time academic studies 
  1. Holders of an L2 visa are permitted to enter and exit the US for travel. 

FAQs for L2 Visa

  • Can I apply for adjustment of status?

    Yes, you can apply for Adjustment of Status. You may either file the Adjust Status with USCIS or fill up the I-485 Form to register permanent residence.

  • Do I have to apply for advance parole if I am travelling to a foreign country?

    No, you will not have to apply for advance parole if you (L-2 Visa holder) wish to travel abroad. This is applicable as long as you maintain the non-immigrant status.

  • Is there any restriction on the type of employment?

    No, there is no restriction on the type of employment. As referred by the USCIS, this is known as the 'open market' authorization.

  • How long can I stay in the United States with the L-2 Visa?

    You can stay in the United States of America for a period of 7 years or as long as the l1 Visa holder keeps his / her Visa valid, whichever is shorter.

  • Can I engage in full-time study?

    Yes. With the L2 Visa, you can engage in full-time courses for your studies.

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