L2 Renewal Visa Stamping without waiting for Approval (when L1 is approved)

[Bera2020]

Hello,


I am on an L2 Visa and my spouse is on L1.


In the 1st week of Dec '2022 the extension for L1(spouse) and L2(mine) were filed with USCIS.

We received the receipt number and are now waiting for the Visa approval.

Our visa and i94 expired on Dec25.


Now, for L2 without an updated i94, I can not work in the US. Presently, the L2 approval average time is around 8 months.


So, do I (L2) have any other options to speed the process once L1 is approved?

Should I think of going to my home-country i.e. India with the L1 approval copy to renew my L2 visa ?

If yes, Do I need to take an In Person appointment in the Visa center for Visa renewal ? Or can I opt for Drop Box ?


Please suggest.

[Libra_14]

So, do I (L2) have any other options to speed the process once L1 is approved?

Yes, you can move your L1 extension to premium processing by paying $2500 extra. With premium processing you can get response of L1 extension within 15 days.

Should I think of going to my home-country i.e. India with the L1 approval copy to renew my L2 visa ?

You need to wait until your spouse L1 extension is approved. Once approved you need to travel outside USA (you may choose to visit Canada or Mexico), renew your L2 visa & re-enter into USA to be able to work again.

If yes, Do I need to take an In Person appointment in the Visa center for Visa renewal ? Or can I opt for Drop Box ?

You should be eligible for dropbox, try scheduling visa interview on traveldocs & it will ask you series of questions which will determine your eligibility of drop box.

[Bera2020]

Thanks Libra,

But I think, If the Visa is expired in that case we can not go to Mexico or other country for stamping, have to back to home country only (Read it from internet).

One more thing, if anyone has any experience on this or not ... Is there any way to expedite the L2 extension process after L1 is approved ?

Thanks

[newacct]

But I think, If the Visa is expired in that case we can not go to Mexico or other country for stamping, have to back to home country only (Read it from internet).

You can go to a US consulate in any country to apply for a visa.

[Libra_14]

But I think, If the Visa is expired in that case we can not go to Mexico or other country for stamping, have to back to home country only (Read it from internet).

You can go to a US consulate in any country to apply for a visa.

Yes, you might probably need visa from the other country if you go that route.

One more thing, if anyone has any experience on this or not ...

Thousands of people does that every year. Its risky, if in case your visa is rejected, you'll have to go to your home country from there. Otherwise its fine.

Is there any way to expedite the L2 extension process after L1 is approved ?

Not 100% sure, but I guess with recent changes you can now pay $2500 for premium processing of L2 extension also.

[Bera2020]

Thank you so much for the response.
For L2 premium processing, I will check with Attorney and will update here.

Thanks,