The L2 visa allows the dependent spouse and minor, unmarried children of qualified L-1 visa holders to enter into the U.S.
The holder of an L-2 visa can apply with the USCIS for Employment Authorization after arriving in the United States and, after issuance of the Employment Authorization Document(EAD, Form I-765), may then work for any employer. The Employment Authorization document is valid for two years and may be renewed.
On L-2 visa, you may:
1. Reside in the U.S. for the duration of the L-1 visa holder's authorized duration of stay
2. Work on a full-time basis in the U.S. with proper employment authorization from the USCIS
3. Engage in full-time study in the U.S.
4. Travel in and out of the U.S. on short trips and return
L-2 status may be renewed and extended within the United States when the L-1 visa is renewed. Renewal in the United States applies to status only, not the actual visa in the passport. For visa renewal, the applicant must go to a U.S. consulate or embassy outside the United States. An alien cannot leave the United States and then re-enter without a valid L-1 visa, and must appear personally before a consular officer for visa issuance. This often leads to difficulties for applicants, because it means leaving their adopted home in the United States for as long as it takes the embassy to issue their new visa. At particularly busy times of year, or at some consulates or embassies, this can take several weeks or more.
If the applicants spouse qualifies for L-1 status, they can apply for a change of status from H-4 to L-2 status and the spouse from H-IB to L-1 status. To obtain work authorization, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, together with Form I-539, Application for Change or Extension of Status.