L1B extension Premium Processing - How to apply for L2 and EAD though

[raghav.zeal]

Hi All,

I have a small query.

My L1B is expiring on Aug 2021 and this week I am applying for an extension through premium processing.

My question is, do I need to apply for L2 and EAD for my wife along with my L1B premium processing or I need to wait till I get the approval and then I should apply for L2 and EAD.

Thanks in Advance.

[Gina1808]

File all 3 together. I-129, I-539 and I-765.

What will most likely happen is that your I-129 will be approved within 2 weeks (because of premium processing). I-539 requires biometrics, so depending on how backlogged your ASC is, that will take between 1 and 12ish months to get done. Current I-539 processing times are between 9 and 12 months. When I-539 is approved, I-765 will come off 'suspense'. I'm still waiting for my L2 I-539 to be approved (filed mid-Oct 2020) so not sure how soon after I-539 approval the EAD will come through.

If you can travel and your home embassy is offering L appointments, take that route. You will save your wife A LOT of stress and uncertainty.

[raghav.zeal]

Thanks for your answer. I will try to take this re-entry route. But in that case, I need to apply only for my L1 now, right. Once my wife re-enters the US, she will get her new L2, am I right.
Also, do you have any recommended country for such scenario (exit and re-entry in US).

Thanks in Advance.

[Gina1808]

I'm not sure about the L-1 extension process going the consular route as we filed with USCIS, maybe someone else will know. In any case you should consult your / employer's immigration attorney.
In general, from what I know, you will both need to attend consular visa appointments, get new visas in your passports and then enter the US on the new (extended) L status. Then you can apply for your wife's EAD.

You can look up appointment wait times for nonimmigrant visas here: https://travel.state.gov/content/tra...ait-times.html
Make sure double check that your chosen embassy also currently processes L visas, because some are lagging after the presidential proclamation expired. Plus any covid-related quarantine requirements or other restrictions.

[raghav.zeal]

Thanks Gina for your help.

Can someone else help me with my question.

" Do I need to apply only for my L1 now, right. Once my wife re-enters the US, she will get her new L2, am I right.
Also, do you have any recommended country for such scenario (exit and re-entry in US)."