L2 dependent visa-EAD-Validation

[swathigpmm]

Hi,I am on L2 dependent visa.I am planning to apply for EAD. But, my spouse project is only till Jan 2014.It may or may not extend.Our visa is valid till 2015.
(1) Should I apply for EAD?
(2) If we go back to our home country in jan 2014 after the project completion.
My EAD will be valid till 2 years?
Even my spouse is trying to convert his L1 to H1. If so,
(3) My EAD will be valid? Or What should I apply for to do a job in US?

[raghvi]

Hi,I am on L2 dependent visa.I am planning to apply for EAD. But, my spouse project is only till Jan 2014.It may or may not extend.Our visa is valid till 2015.
(1) Should I apply for EAD?
(2) If we go back to our home country in jan 2014 after the project completion.
My EAD will be valid till 2 years?
Even my spouse is trying to convert his L1 to H1. If so,
(3) My EAD will be valid? Or What should I apply for to do a job in US?

1. No Harm in applying for EAD. It will be typically given till your and your spouse's I-94 (if they are different then whichever is earlier).
2. Your L2 is a dependent visa, that is dependent on primary L1 visa. If your spouse leave US you will have to leave too. You cant stay back on L2 and use your EAD.
3. If your spouse converts to H1 you will move to H4. And EAD will no longer be valid. On H4 you cannot work. In order to work you will also have to move to H1 visa.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[swathigpmm]

1. No Harm in applying for EAD. It will be typically given till your and your spouse's I-94 (if they are different then whichever is earlier).
2. Your L2 is a dependent visa, that is dependent on primary L1 visa. If your spouse leave US you will have to leave too. You cant stay back on L2 and use your EAD.
3. If your spouse converts to H1 you will move to H4. And EAD will no longer be valid. On H4 you cannot work. In order to work you will also have to move to H1 visa.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

Thank You.But regarding second point: Once the current project is completed we will go back to India. But after few months,
If my spouse is assigned to a new project in US,we will again come back.i.e., my spouse on L1 and me on L2 Dependent. If this is the case,
Then will my EAD be valid?

[raghvi]

Thank You.But regarding second point: Once the current project is completed we will go back to India. But after few months,
If my spouse is assigned to a new project in US,we will again come back.i.e., my spouse on L1 and me on L2 Dependent. If this is the case,
Then will my EAD be valid?

Yes. But you should also have a valid I-94 associated with it.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[swathigpmm]

Ok. Thank you so much for your reply Raghvi.
Regards,
Swathi G