Can my spouse work in the United States on an L-2 visa?

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you in L-2 dependent status. L-2 status lasts as long as your L-1 status is valid.

Since November 12, 2021, USCIS treats L-2 spouses as employment authorized incident to status, meaning they may work without first needing a separate work permit approval.

An L-2 spouse may still file Form I-765 to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) as convenient documentary proof for employers. L-2 children may study but are not authorized to work.