L2S work authorization during extension in process

[dvenk]

Hi All,

I am an L2S dependent of my spouse. I am authorized to work by submitting my I94 with L2S annotation, state Id and SSN. My spouse validity expires on Nov 26 2022 and we are going to file for an extension now. My question is, will the receipt notice suffice for me to continue working or should the extension be approved in order for the dependent in L2S to work?? Pls advise.

[newacct]

You cannot work on a pending L2 extension of stay. You need a valid L2S I-94 to work.

[Dheepa1703]

Let me know if you have any updates on this since I am also in the same boat. I read from forums that if L1B approval comes earlier than L2, then there are ways you can update the L2s I 94 with L1B new approval

[newacct]

Let me know if you have any updates on this since I am also in the same boat. I read from forums that if L1B approval comes earlier than L2, then there are ways you can update the L2s I 94 with L1B new approval

Yes, you can leave the US and re-enter on an L2 visa (with the spouse's L1 I-94), and then you will get a valid I-94 for the duration of the L1's I-94.

[dvenk]

This is not fair! When L1 primary visa holder is given an automatic extension even the L2 should be given that! This rule is bad as such what should we do if there are administrative delays in processing? Get terminated?

[mrbhats]

newacct - thank you so much for your response here. I am in same condition and your suggestion could help me.
My visa is valid till 1st Dec. Can I travel to Mexico and get a new i-94 so that my status will be L2S and I can continue to work?

[newacct]

newacct - thank you so much for your response here. I am in same condition and your suggestion could help me.
My visa is valid till 1st Dec. Can I travel to Mexico and get a new i-94 so that my status will be L2S and I can continue to work?

Has the L1's status been extended?

[mrbhats]

newacct - L1 is going to get extended by end of this month. (Hoping )

[Libra_14]

newacct - L1 is going to get extended by end of this month. (Hoping )

Yes, After L1 approval, you should be fine to visit outside USA & re-enter using approved L1 to get L2S.

[mrbhats]

newacct Libra_14 - thanks a lot for your quick responses and useful suggestions.

[Delhiguy82]

newacct Libra_14 mrbhats

thanks for all the information provided here.
Can you please suggest what are the available options for me
I have EAD (ended on 10/06) and L2 extension has been filed.
I was working on L2S and my understanding L2 is get automatic extension as L1
Can I file for EAD extension and work when the EAD extension is received or I have to wait for L1 to be approved.

Regards
Anindya

[newacct]

newacct Libra_14 mrbhats

thanks for all the information provided here.
Can you please suggest what are the available options for me
I have EAD (ended on 10/06) and L2 extension has been filed.
I was working on L2S and my understanding L2 is get automatic extension as L1
Can I file for EAD extension and work when the EAD extension is received or I have to wait for L1 to be approved.

Regards
Anindya

You need to wait until L2 is extended, and that cannot happen before L1 is extended. You do not need EAD.

[mrbhats]

Libra_14 newacct
Post L1 extension, we took the Mexico route to get the I-94 extended. As per latest rules at the border, they ONLY extend if the L2 has approved I-797. Else the same old I-94 date will be given.
So whoever wants to get their I-94 extended via Mexico or Canada need to get a valid original I-797 while entering at the border.

[newacct]

Libra_14 newacct
Post L1 extension, we took the Mexico route to get the I-94 extended. As per latest rules at the border, they ONLY extend if the L2 has approved I-797. Else the same old I-94 date will be given.
So whoever wants to get their I-94 extended via Mexico or Canada need to get a valid original I-797 while entering at the border.

That doesn't make sense. If you get a new admission on L2, you should be admitted for the same period as the person on L1. It sounds like they are trying to admit you on Automatic Revalidation, and not a new admission on the basis of your visa. Do not mention your old I-94, because that is probably what's confusing them. You are seeking a completely new admission, unrelated to your previous stay. You are not seeking an "extension" of anything -- you cannot "extend" anything at the border.

[mrbhats]

newacct thanks a lot for your suggestion. After writing to the CBP they corrected the I-94 for L2 dependents. Thank you for the support and help with "wordings", they do matter a lot.