Fairfax, Virginia H-4 and L-2 Status Attorney

Lawyer for Family Members of People With Temporary Work Visas in Fairfax, VA

When foreign workers move to the United States on temporary work visas, their spouses and children often wish to join them and maintain family unity. U.S. immigration laws provide pathways for family members to enter the country under specific classifications, such as H-4 and L-2 statuses.

The statuses family members may qualify for will depend on the type of visa held by the primary worker. Family members may be able to live in the United States alongside temporary work visa holders, and they may also be able to pursue opportunities for employment and education. The Estevez Group, PC provides critical assistance to families as they address concerns about immigration status and employment authorization, making sure our clients comply with U.S. immigration laws.

H-4 and L-2 Status

Spouses and dependent children of temporary work visa holders can apply for derivative visas that correspond to the primary worker's visa type. Two of the most common derivative visa categories are H-4 and L-2.

H-4 Visa

The H-4 visa is available to the spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of H-1B visa holders. Requirements for H-4 visas include:

• Relationship to the Primary Visa Holder: Applicants must demonstrate a valid marital or parental relationship with the H-1B visa holder.
• Financial Support: The holder of an H-1B visa must demonstrate that they have the ability to financially support their family members while they reside in the United States.
• Visa Validity: The H-4 visa is tied to the validity of the H-1B visa. If the H-1B visa expires or is revoked, the H-4 visa also becomes invalid.

While H-4 visa holders generally cannot work in the United States, certain spouses of H-1B visa holders may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the H-1B visa holder has begun applying for an employment-based Green Card and has received approval on the petition for an immigrant visa filed by their employer.

L-2 Visa

The L-2 visa is available to the spouses and unmarried minor children of L-1 visa holders. Requirements for L-2 visas include:

• Relationship to the Primary Visa Holder: Applicants must provide evidence of their relationship to the L-1 visa holder, such as a marriage or birth certificate.
• Visa Validity: The L-2 visa will have the same validity dates as the L-1 visa. L-2 visas for children of L-1 visa holders will expire after the child reaches the age of 21 or gets married.

Spouses with L-2 visas are automatically eligible to work in the United States, but they can also apply for an EAD to ensure that they have documentation showing that they are able to work. Children are not permitted to work on an L-2 visa, but they may attend schools and pursue other educational opportunities in the United States.

Applying for Employment Authorization

Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) allow visa holders to work legally in the United States. The process of applying for work authorization typically involves:

1. Filing Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is an official application for employment authorization.
2. Submitting supporting documentation, such as proof of status, relationship to the primary visa holder, and eligibility for work authorization.

Helping Families of Temporary Work Visa Holders

Applying for derivative visas for spouses and children involves careful attention to detail, as well as submitting the correct documentation. At The Estevez Group, PC we can help families by:

• Assisting with applications for H-4 or L-2 visas and ensuring that all eligibility requirements are met.
• Advising family members on the steps and documentation required when applying for employment authorization.
• Addressing concerns related to visa denials, renewals, or changes in status.
• Providing guidance on maintaining legal status for the entire family while in the United States.

With our attorney's in-depth knowledge of immigration laws, we can provide personalized support to ensure that families can remain together while pursuing opportunities in the United States.

Contact Our Employment-Based Immigration Lawyer for Derivative Visas

Keeping their families together while pursuing career opportunities in the United States is a concern that affects many temporary work visa holders. At The Estevez Group, PC, our lawyer can provide guidance on the options for spouses and children while addressing any concerns that may affect visa applications. For a free consultation to discuss H-4 or L-2 visa applications, work authorization, or other immigration concerns, contact us today at 703-829-5179.