Eligible spouses and unmarried children under 21 may seek L-2 status. A qualifying L spouse is employment-authorized incident to status, but dependent children do not receive employment authorization merely by holding L-2 status.
Check each person's status and intended activity
Record citizenship, relationship evidence, age and the proposed arrival date for every household member. Review the spouse's actual status documentation rather than assuming a separate employment authorization document is always required. Keep children's study plans distinct from work and age-related questions, since the principal applicant's start date does not automatically determine every family member's arrangements.
List each relative’s passport, relationship record, age, proposed entry date, and intended U.S. activity. A spouse or unmarried child younger than 21 may qualify for L-2. L-2 spouses are employment-authorized incident to status, while dependent children receive no such authorization. Verify that the spouse’s admission record has the appropriate classification before employment and assess any child nearing 21 separately. Place the principal’s status end date beside the family calendar: L-1A has a general seven-year maximum, subject to regulatory exceptions and recapture rules. A frequent error is assuming all L-2 holders possess identical work permission or that later arrival extends the principal’s maximum period.
Hypothetical example: an Ottawa renewable-energy consultancy transfers its operations director; the director’s spouse wants to freelance as a graphic designer, and an unmarried child will turn twenty-one during the assignment. The family should preserve marriage and birth certificates, inspect admission records after entry, and obtain advice on the child’s timeline before the birthday. The spouse’s authorization depends on qualifying L-2 spousal status, not merely travelling with the executive.