Immigration

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi: H-4 and L-2 Spouses Gain Automatic Work Authorization in the U.S

February, 26, 2025-04:33

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H-4 and L-2 Spouses Gain Automatic Work Authorization in the U.S

H-4 and L-2 visas represent prevalent categories of work authorization in the United States. The H-4 visa permits family members of H-1B visa holders to enter the United States for the same duration as the primary visa holder. Conversely, the L-2 visa is designated for individuals from countries that maintain a treaty of commerce and navigation with the United States, including nations such as Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

For those seeking to apply for an H-4 or L-2 visa, it is crucial to understand that eligible spouses of professional and executive visa holders are entitled to an automatic extension of their work authorization documents.

Changes to Spousal Employment Authorization Policies
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently revised its policies regarding spousal employment authorization for H-4 and L-2 visa holders. These revisions allow both H-4 and L-2 visa holders to circumvent employment interruptions caused by delays in paperwork processing and backlogs. Eligible visa holders will have the opportunity to secure work authorization.

Consequently, if you hold an H-4 or L-2 visa and have submitted an extension for your employment authorization document (EAD) while maintaining a valid visa, you will automatically receive an extension of your work authorization. Additionally, the dependent spouses of L visa holders will also receive work authorization automatically, without the necessity of an EAD. However, it is required to complete Form I-94.

Srinivasa Reddy Kandi is an Immigration policies researcher and immigration laws analyst.
Kandi Srinivasa Reddy, Srinivasa Reddy Kandi, #KandiSrinivasaReddy, #SrinivasaReddyKandi
Disclaimer: The information presented here is general in nature and might not be applicable in any given situation. It should not be interpreted as legal advice or taken for granted that it is always current.