Form I-765
L-2 EAD Eligibility Check
Find out if you can get a work permit as the spouse of an L-1 worker.
- Free
- 2 minutes
- No signup to see your result
The short answer
Who qualifies for an L-2 EAD?
The spouse of an L-1 worker can apply for an L-2 EAD under category (a)(18), as long as both of you are in valid status. Children in L-2 status cannot. A spouse with an L-2S I-94 is already authorized to work without an EAD, so the card is optional: it gives one document that proves you can work, and it is valid for up to 2 years and never past the date on your I-94.
What USCIS asks for
What USCIS asks for
- You are the spouse of an L-1 worker
- You are in valid L-2 or L-2S status
- The L-1 worker is in valid L-1 status
- Evidence of your status and of your spouse's status, such as both I-94s
- Your marriage certificate
The check
What this eligibility check covers
- Your relationship to the L-1 worker
- Your I-94 class of admission and expiration date
- The L-1 worker's status and I-94 date
- Whether the marriage is still in place
- Work history that needs review
Questions
Frequently asked questions
No. A spouse of an L-1 worker in valid L-2S status is employment authorized incident to status. An unexpired L-2S I-94 is accepted as proof for Form I-9. You can still apply for an EAD if you want one document that shows it.
No. Only the spouse of an L-1 worker is eligible. Other dependents of L-1 workers, including children, cannot get employment authorization in L-2 status.
Spouses should see L-2S, which USCIS and CBP began issuing on January 30, 2022. A plain L-2 on a current I-94 is usually a coding error. Ask CBP (for an entry record) or USCIS (for an I-539 approval) to correct it, or apply for an EAD.
Up to 2 years, and never past the "Admit Until" date on your L-2 I-94. If your status is extended, the I-94 date moves and you can renew.
No. The check uses the facts you provide and cannot decide the application for USCIS. Immiva is software, not a law firm.
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