Family of L-1 Workers
The transferring employee may be accompanied or followed by his or her spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Such family members may seek admission in L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee. If these family members are already in the United States and seeking change of status to or extension of stay in L-2 classification, they may apply collectively, with fee, on Form I-539. Spouses of L-1 workers may apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765 with fee. If approved, there is no specific restriction as to where the L-2 spouse may work.
Period of Stay
L-1A Visa
Qualified employees entering the United States to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of one year. All other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of three years. For all L-1A employees, requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to an additional two years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of seven years. For instance, if you are coming to the United States on an L-1A visa to set up a new branch, you will be granted 1 year with the option of 3 two year renewals (1+2+2+2=7). If you are being transferred to a branch of your company in the United States, you will be granted 3 initial years with the option of 2 two year renewals (3+2+2=7).
*Only time spent in the United States counts towards an L-1 visa. Time spent outside of the U.S. can be recaptured. Please see the appropriate section.
For more information on L visa, please refer to the following links: