L-2 Visa - Can I go on Leave of Absence while waiting for EAD renewal ?

[neethuct]

Hi,
I am working in US on L-2 Visa ( dependent visa ) . My Spouse’s visa expires on 21-Jan-2021 ( so will mine ). His company is applying for his visa renewal in premium processing and mine will be applied too along-with his.
If it takes approximately 1 month to get the result from now(09-Nov-2020) and assuming it gets approved, I will have to re-apply for EAD extension which takes anywhere between 3 and 4 months from the day of visa approval.
So, during this wait time, I cannot legally work. Could you please advise,

1. If I Can go on leave-of-Absence without pay with my current employer, from 21-Jan-2021 till I get my EAD approval?
2. What are the best options for me to return to same job once I become eligible to work, without having to quit in first place?

[RS2019]

I think you cannot be on payroll of any employer without an EAD. so you cannot take LOA. They have to rehire you once u have EAD renewed.