The L2 visa costs around $160 associated with acquiring an L2 visa, a non-native visa classification in the United States. Likewise, the L2 visa is commonly administered to the dependent partner and unmarried kids (under 21) of individuals who own L-1 visas, which are booked for intra-organizational transferees, predominantly employees of global corporations. This blog post will discuss the costs associated with obtaining an L2 visa and more.
Breakdown of L2 Visa Costs
Like any visa application, several expenses are associated with securing an L2 visa. Below are the different costs associated with obtaining an L2 visa:
- Visa Application Fee: The initial cost associated with obtaining an L2 visa is the application fee. This fee covers the expenses of reviewing and adjudicating the visa application, which is $205.
- DS-160 Form Fee: The DS-160, or Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is a prerequisite for visa processing and must be completed and submitted. While the form itself is free, additional fees may be incurred during the process. Some applicants may need to adhere to U.S. visa image requirements, incurring an extra cost for photograph services. Furthermore, certain nations impose a convenience fee for online L2 visa application submission, ranging from $10 to $50.
- SEVIS Fee: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program tracks international students and exchange visitors in the United States. Although the L2 visa is not primarily intended for students, the SEVIS system remains applicable to dependents of L-1 visa holders. Therefore, each L2 visa applicant is obligated to pay a SEVIS fee of $350.
- Visa Processing Time and Expedited Processing Costs: The processing timeline for an L2 visa can fluctuate based on the specific U.S. embassy or consulate and the time of year. In some cases, applicants may opt to expedite their visa processing to align with travel schedules or other contingencies. Expedited processing, or premium processing, can accelerate visa approval at an additional cost, usually $1,440. However, assessing the prevailing fees and processing times when planning your application is necessary.
- Attorney's Fees: Although not obligatory, many L2 visa applicants choose to enlist the services of an immigration attorney to navigate the application process. Immigration attorneys offer valuable guidance, assist with paperwork, and enhance the prospects of a successful application. The fees charged by immigration attorneys can differ considerably based on their legal proficiency and location, varying between $1,000 and $3,000.
- Visa Renewal Costs: L2 visas generally align with the duration of the L-1 visa holder's authorization. However, when the L-1 visa holder's stay is extended, or they receive a new L-1 visa, the L2 visa holder may be obliged to renew their visa. The costs associated with visa renewal mirror those of the initial application, incorporating the visa application fee, DS-160 form fee, SEVIS fee, and other relevant costs. Thus, verifying the latest fees and provisions at the time of renewal is necessary.
- Work Authorization (EAD) Costs: L2 visa holders may be qualified to apply for job authorization, known as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to work in the USA. The EAD application carries its own set of expenditures, including a filing fee of $410.
Steps to Apply for the L2 Visa
To initiate the L2 Visa application process, one must adhere to the steps specified below:
- Submit DS-160 Form. The applicant must submit the DS-160 Form, including uploading their photograph.
- Print Confirmation Page with DEAC Barcode. After completing the DS-160 Form, the applicant should print out the confirmation page, ensuring the inclusion of the DEAC barcode.
- Create a Profile. Create a personal profile and follow the onscreen instructions until the confirmation screen pops up.
- Pay the Visa Fee. Choose one of the payment options for the Visa fees or opt for payment at designated branches.
- Schedule Two Appointments. Schedule two appointments: one for the OFC and the other for the consular interview. The time required for fee receipt activation can range from three hours to two days, depending on the chosen payment method. The bank reference number will be requested during the interview, so it's acceptable to schedule the appointment after obtaining the fee receipt.
- Attend the Interview. Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time, bringing with you the original bank fee receipt with barcode stickers, the interview appointment letter, and all relevant supporting documents.
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Required Documents When Applying for the L2 Visa
Various documents are essential for the L2 Visa application process, as follows:
- Appointment Letter for the U.S. Visa Interview
- Printout of Form DS-160 with the CEAC Barcode
- Valid Passport
- Photographs complying with the specified guidelines
- Visa issuance fee or demand draft
- Birth certificate (original) for applicants under 14 years of age
- Original marriage certificate
- Comprehensive wedding photo album
- All pages of the L-1 holder's passport (if not previously submitted) with a clearly identifiable photograph and in good condition
- Employer's letter addressing the applicant's relationship with the L-1 Visa holder and the purpose of travel
- Employment verification letter from the L-1 Visa holder
- Photocopy of the L-1 Visa holder's income tax return
Validity of the L2 Visa
The duration of the L2 visa for dependents is linked directly to the validity period of the L1 visa held by the primary visa holder. It essentially means that individuals granted admission under the L2 nonimmigrant classification will usually be authorized to stay for the same duration as their L1 spouse or parent. For L1 visa holders arriving in the United States to set up a new company, the primary stay entitled is 12 months. On the contrary, other corporate stakeholders are entitled to reside in the country for 36 months. In addition, individuals holding an L-1 visa can apply for a visa extension of their stay in the United States in 24-month increments, up to a maximum limitation of 7 and 5 years for L-1A and L-1B workers, respectively.
Key Terms for L2 Visa Costs
- Filing Fee: The mandatory cost associated with submitting an L2 visa application, payable to the U.S. Department of State.
- Biometric Fee: A fee for fingerprinting and photographing L2 visa applicants.
- Visa Issuance Fee: A fee to obtain the L2 visa stamp in the passport, paid to the U.S. consulate.
- Dependent Fee: An additional cost for each family member is included on the L2 visa application.
- Form I-539: The application form for extending or changing L2 visa status, incurring its fees.
- Form DS-160: The online nonimmigrant visa application form, typically requiring a fee.
- Consular Appointment Fee: A charge for scheduling an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Translation and Documentation Costs: Expenses related to translating and certifying documents not in English.
- I-94 Replacement Fee: In case of a lost or damaged I-94, a fee for its replacement.
- Vaccination Costs: Expenses related to obtaining any necessary vaccinations as part of the medical examination requirement.
Final Thoughts on L2 Visa Costs
Obtaining an L2 visa comes with various costs, which can add up. Hence, applicants need to be aware of these costs and budget accordingly to ensure a smooth application process. Moreover, L2 visa costs can vary based on factors such as the applicant's homeland, specific documentation prerequisites, and whether they decide to use legal representation. Understanding and planning for these expenditures will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition to life in the United States as a dependent of an L-1 visa holder.
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