Re: L-2 application question

Hi there,

My wife has an L-1 and I'm looking to apply for a new L-2. We currently live in Canada (my wife travels quite a bit) but we'd like to move to the US once I get my L-2.

I got the requirements for L-2 application but my question is: Do I need to set up a visa appointment with a US consulate office in Toronto? Or would I be able to simply apply at the border crossing (I'll be driving to Washington, DC)?

I know that for Canadians applying F-1 (student visa), they can simply goto the border without an appointment at the consulate.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John.

I got the requirements for L-2 application but my question is: Do I need to set up a visa appointment with a US consulate office in Toronto? Or would I be able to simply apply at the border crossing (I'll be driving to Washington, DC)?

You simply apply for the L-2 at the border if you are a Canadian citizen. Proof of citizenship (that is, a passport these days), proof of marriage, and a copy of your wife's passport/L-1 would be required.

Remember, though, that if you are applying for the L-2 in order to be able to work in that status, that is a separate procedure that must be done after arrival in the USA. The L-2 itself does not give you work permission but you can apply for an EAD based on the L-2.

Nearly all non-immigrant categories for Canadian citizens can be applied for at the POE (there are a few exceptions, the main ones are E, K and V). Although obviously you need the same paperwork to get in as you would to apply for the visa through the consulate.

If your wife already has L-1, all you need is proof you're married, e.g. marriage certificate and proof she's in L-1 if you travel separately.

Work authorization as L-2 requires you to file I-765.

Thank you CalGreenCard! Good to know that I can just goto the border to apply for L2. I realized that in order for me to work, I need to get the EAD once I am in the US.

So, here is a related question... In Aug, I plan to move to Washington, DC to start as a graduate student. I know that the L2 also allows me to study full-time in the US. Would I need separate and additional application beyond my L2 status to study full time?

Also, once I get the EAD to work in the US under my L2, could I also study at the same time? i.e. get an internship or do consulting on the side while I study.

Thanks in advance

Yes, you can work and study at the same time assuming you have the EAD.

Yes, you can work and study at the same time assuming you have the EAD.

Hi axolotl,

Do I need the EAD if I want to study in the U.S. with my L2 status? or is the EAD needed only if I want to work in the U.S.?

Thanks,
John.

You don't need it just to study, but I think it's a bit academic because it takes a couple of months for an I-765 to be processed so it makes sense to apply for it as soon as you can, then you don't have to worry about it when looking for a job. The only downside really is the application fee, $340.

Thanks for everyone on your help... I'm happy to report that I obtained my L2/I-94 card this past weekend at the border crossing.

However, I did have a strange experience. The customs officer only charged me $6 USD cash and didn't even want to look at the D-156 and D-157 forms that I painstaking filled out... nor did he want to see my $131 USD application fee papers that I paid at Scotia bank through the designated deposit forms.

He simply said that since I'm a Canadian citizen that I didn't need those... I wish I knew before going... I'm sure I got the information straight from the US consulate website for Toronto... oh wellz... who am I to argue with the US government... I'm just happy to have gotten my L2/I-94 card smoothly.

Yeah, you don't need any of that. DS-156 and 157 and the $131 fee are for applying for a visa - you don't need a visa. Sorry if I didn't make that clear by "the same paperwork" I meant the supporting paperwork, i.e. proof of the relationship between you and the L-1 holder.