L2 Visa divorcing L1 would appreciate any help!

So long story marriage is over and we are separating. We are in the US on L1 and L2 visas we have 2 children, and have been here for 3 years, the kids have put down roots etc.... My "husband", is a flight risk, he has toyed with the idea of leaving the kids and I here to fend for ourselves, and he would go back to Canada...I realise if he goes I have to go...My visa is entirley dependent on his... I have no special training, or education I have really just been a stay at home mom for the last 8 years and would like to further my education..

so my question is...Is there a visa I can apply for to enable my kids and I to stay here..at least for a while?
If I find an employer willing to hire me and sponsor me how is this done? Where do I look for this info? Does the occupation need to be a specific type, is there a list?

Thanks in advance for all your help..I just really need to know if it is possible for me to stay...I hate that he could have that kind of power over me...

Unfortunately, your L-2 status ceases to exist once you and your husband get divorced. If your husband divorces you and also returns to Canada, your children will no longer be in L-2 status either, as their status and yours are tied to his L-1.

There are not many options in this situation. If you were to get married to a US citizen you could simply adjust your status. However, I am not recommending that you marry a US citizen solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card. That is a big no-no and could get you into a lot of trouble if you are discovered. Your other option would be to become a student, which would get you onto an F-1. In order to qualify for an F-1 you need to be a full-time student at a recognized college/university.

Unfortunately, most work permits available to Canadians require you to have a bachelor's degree or at the very least a great deal of work experience.

And any sort of student visa would require that you be able to show proof of income & support for the duration of your studies. You can't work while here on student visa, except part time on campus maybe.

I'm afraid your only option may be to just go back to Canada and start over unfortunately.

With not much in the way of qualifications plus the state of the US economy, I think basically your only real option is to move back to Canada, I'm afraid.