Questions in regards to EAD for an L2 visa hodler

[gbenshim]

Hi Guys, i need your help in regards to EAD (work permit) for a L2 visa holder, i hope i'm at the right place.

I was offered to relocate for 2y to the USA, as part of the relocation package i will be getting an L1 visa and my wife will be getting an L2 visa.
I understood here - https://www.immihelp.com/l2-visa/ - that every L2 visa holder is eligible to submit a request for a work permit via the EAD form.

I wanted to ask a few questions about it:
- How likely is it that we will get refused, thus - we won't get the work permit? And what are the reason for which the immigration department might decide to refuse a certain request?
- Can we submit the request for the permit while we are outside the united states? I've been thinking we would feel much more comfortable to leave everything when we know for sure my wife can work.
So would it be possible that when the visa documents are ready (we got it), we submit the EAD while we are outside the united states and wait before we go to the united states until it gets approved?
- If not, how soon after we get to the united states can we submit the request for an EAD? I've been told that there might be some time until i can apply, is that true?
- How much time does it take to get the EAD form approved?
- If we have a big company giving us a letter that they will hire my wife - would it be any help?
- Does having an EAD has anything related to having a driving license? I've read this post about one wife complaining she can't get a local (US) driving license cause she didn't get the work permit, is that true?


I would really appreciate your help! We are really confused from all these bureaucracy, we really want to go but we are unsure whether everything would work - and it is a drastic change for us.

Thanx in advance to whoever finds the time to help us,
Gili

[lisaanderson]

1. All L-2 visa holders are entitled to a work permit. It is unlikely your wife will be refused. Also, it’s your wife that has to file the application - not you.
2. Your wife cannot file the work permit application until she has entered the U.S. and actually gained L-2 “status”. You and your wife will get L-1 and L-2 visa at the consulate. However, it’s not until you enter the U.S. that you gain “status.” Your wife has to be in L-2 status before she can apply.
3. Your wife can file the EAD application immediately upon entering.
4. The EAD must be issued within 90 days of application.
5. It doesn’t matter. L-2 visa holders get EAD card regardless of the fact that they may or may not work.
6. It’s not the EAD that is preventing getting the driver’s license. Many states require applicants for driver’s license to have a Social Security Number. You can’t get an SSN unless you have work authorization. However, the fact is that most, if not all, states that require an SSN have exceptions for people like spouses and children of visa holder who can’t get EAD. It’s usually that the authorities at the local motor vehicles dept. just don’t know the law (and some are just discriminatory).

Here are a couple of best guides about US Work Permit - EAD:

EAD - Are You Eligible?

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=820a0a5659083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=820a0a5659083210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD