Filing L2 extension while L1 extension is pending and don't have a receipt number

[harshmdi]

Hi,

I had a question which i needed advice on. My current L1A visa expires on 5/31/21. My company has filed an extension for me last week but I dont have a receipt number for the case yet. I want to file L2 extension for my wife using the online i-539 form. Can i file the form without the L1A extension receipt number? (I assume this does not classify as concurrent filing)

Regards

[Libra_14]

Yes.

[harshmdi]

Ok thank you.

[Gina1808]

You can, yes. Whether you should is a different question and I think the answer is no.

Part 3 section 3a of Form I-539 is asking whether it is based on a primary (L1) application, and 3b requires a reference number. Don't expect USCIS to find the primary application on their own.

If L1 was not filed online, there are currently delays with assigning case references. Our combo (L1 I-129, L2 I-539 and L2 I-765) was filed premium in mid-October 2020 and we actually only received receipts for I-539 and I-765, while the L1 approval went directly to the lawyer. You could try to call the USCIS helpline for the reference.

Unfortunately, current processing times for I-539s are at 10-12 months, so you waiting for the L1 ref for a couple of weeks will not make a huge difference. If I was extending my L2 status now, I'd do so at an embassy.

[Libra_14]

Unfortunately, current processing times for I-539s are at 10-12 months, so you waiting for the L1 ref for a couple of weeks will not make a huge difference. If I was extending my L2 status now, I'd do so at an embassy.

After biometrics requirement removed from I539 for L2 & H4, hopefully things should move faster.

[Gina1808]

After biometrics requirement removed from I539 for L2 & H4, hopefully things should move faster.

My guess (and hope) is that they'll start approving L1 and H dependents together with main applicants again, including the EADs. I doubt they would do that when the dependent cases are submitted separately though, so the new applications will probably fall onto the pile with the monster backlog. I hope I'm wrong.