One of my very good friend Babu applied to get EAD Card for his wife, who is on L2 Visa and got it successfully without any issues. One of our blog readers asked few questions regarding the same. He was kind enough to answer them and share the sample cover letter template. Thanks to Babu for taking time to answer and letting us share it with our readers !
1. I would like to know the list of forms to be filled for EAD on L2 Visa. Apart from I-765, do I need any other form ?
Only I-765 Form
2. Checklist of the supporting documents for applying to EAD on L2 Visa :
– Filing fee – Currently $410 (Please check on USCIS site for latest fees)
– I-765 form
– L1 approval notice of spouse
– Copy of Passport
– Copy of I-94
– Two photographs
– Copy of SSN (If you have)
3. Should it be e-filed or sent through regular mail? Which would be processed faster ?
Both of them take same time. If you do e-filing, you would have to send your docs by regular mail later. So, it is preferred that you send all the documents through regular mail at once, it will be easier instead of e-filing.
4. Is a covering letter required? If so what should it contain?
Nothing in specific. Just the list of documents. Download it from link below:
Sample Covering letter L2 EAD Card USCIS
5. Its been a week since I’ve come , Can I apply immediately or should I wait for a specific lead time?
We can apply immediately.
6. How long is the L2 EAD card valid?
As long as your spouse L1 is valid.
7. In case I go back to India before I receive the EAD , can I ask someone to pick it up? Will I be able to use it when i come back again?
EAD card comes by mail, so anyone can receive it. Yes, you can use it after coming from India.
Experience Shared by Kavitha – August 2016
Hello Everyone,
This is the timeline of my application
1. USCIS accepted the application on June 28th 2016
2. Received the acknowledgement # for tracking on 1st July 2016
3. Case status changed to ” Card sent to production” on August 5th 2016 – in the morning
4. Case status changed to ” Application is approved” on August 5th 2016 – in the evening.
5. Case Status changed to ” Mailed the card” on August 9th 2016.
Now i’m waiting for the card , the entire process completed in 42 days. I followed the same document which was shared by Saurabh in this page with some small addition to L1 beneficiary document. Hope this helps!!
EAD Applicant Documents
- Filing fee $410 ( fee change 2016)
- I-765 form
- Copy of Passport including spouse name
- Copy of Visa
- Copy of I-94
- Two photographs
- SSN Copy
L1 Beneficiary Documents
- L1 Blanket approval notice – I129S , I797
- Copy of Passport including spouse name
- Copy of Visa
- Copy of I-94
- Copy of Indian Marriage Certificate, issued by Government of Tamil Nadu, India
- Employment Letter
Regards
Kavitha
Hi All
I want to apply for EAD but I-765, Application for Employment Authorization form is showing expired on 28th Feb 2018.When can i get the new form ? or i should apply in the same form ..please suggest me
Please call USCIS customer service. New form is not updated. In general, unless it is I-9, they get auto-extended and should be fine. But, check with them and then only use the old form.
Hi Kumar
Thanks for the information..I spoke to customer care ,they told me to use the old form but I saw one comment in this blog regarding the same matter but her form got rejected..So I am little worried to apply..Please suggest what should I do..
Regards,
Tapaswini
Tapaswini,
One thing you can do is use the old form and put in a letter stating that you called customer care and they said to use the same. You can also write an email and have it in writing so that you can attach that email copy, that way you are safe. Other option is to setup a Infopass appointment and get suggestion from USCIS service center.
Hi Tapaswini,
Did you get a mail confirmation on the form? If so to which mail id did u send your query?
Hi,
I applied for L2 EAD with below timeline,
1.All documents sent on 24 Dec.
2.Case received at 2nd Jan.
Still now I did not get any other news regarding the same as of 4th March. Can anyone please suggest/guide me what to do?
Thanks for your advise in advance.
What type of approval notice you got?
I-797
I-797a
I-797b
I-797c etc
Mona,
You should reach out to USCIS and inquire for details.
Hello Mona,
After the case is received by USCIS, It generally takes 90 days that include weekends as well. As of today you have completed 9 weeks and I would guess it should come in another 3-4 week max.
regards
Yougal
Thank you everyone for ur reply.Fingers crossed.
Hi all , I got my i797 notice of action on 15 of feb and today I got my application and check back from USCIS saying I had used outed form I-765. I submitted my application on 6th of feb.I checked the form it is expiring on 02-28-2018.
How can my application can be rejected while I submitted it almost a month before form’s expiration date?
When USCIS is going to upload updated form?
Do I need to submitted by rejection notice along with new application ?
I am going to file my i 765 tomorrow. The form available on uscis website has already expired. Did you check with them on the new form?
I am also in same situation. I see only expired i765 form in Uscis site. How to handle the situation?
what employment letter I need to send with i765 for L2 EAD?
My husband has one which is form an Indian company (as my husband works here for a different client )and also its 6-7 years old document.
Are we suppose to keep the cashier check with other documents?
PLEASE REPLY
Yes, put them in sequence and attach a covering letter with checklist in order.
Hi,
I have a question too, l am applying for my EAD and one of the document is passport.
My question is “do I need to send every page of passport or just front and back page of passport”?
Please reply
Usually, it is first and last page details and any Visa Pages, if you have.
Thanks Kumar, appreciate your help..
Hi…on which address i need to mail all these docs for L2 EAD …For that is SSN mandatory ???
Yes ssn should be sent and the address to post depends on your current address. Please call USCIS for lockbox address
Hi,
My spouse is on L2 and planning to apply for EAD. I have below two queries.
1. What is mean by Employment letter of L1 ? Can I submit my deputation letter ? (Which I got in India while coming to US)
2. What is the address USCIS I need to mention / send documents? Is it near by USCIS Office ?
Thanks in advance
Hi
My husband has applied for L2 EAD and his case was received at Texas center on October 13th. He he has to go back to India on November 19th. Does any one know if his application will be affected because of his travel ?
Thanks
Hello,
I need your suggestion, if any.
I have L1-B approved visa and in my petition dependents are not mentioned.
But still I am applying for L2 (Dependent) visa for my spouse.
Do anybody thinks, it will be difficult to get visa for her? Although we have all other documents ready like Passport with spouse name, Marriage certificate, Approved Blanket (I179, I129s)……
Please suggest
Hi,
I recently got new passport and applied I94 .I got the I94 receipt three months back.Can i apply for EAD with I94 receipt?
Hi All,
I’m planning to apply for my wife’s EAD who is on L2 Visa. I’ve already gone through all the threads and I kind of understand that under question # 16 we have to fill in (a)(18) and question # 17 & 18 do not apply.
My query is what is employment letter among the below list and does value i.e. (a)(18) is correct entry for question # 16?
Below are the documents which I’m planning to submit while sending the courier:
EAD Applicant Documents
• Filing fee $410 ( fee change 2016)
• I-765 form
• Copy of Passport including spouse name
• Copy of Visa
• Copy of I-94
• Two photographs
• SSN Copy
L1 Beneficiary Documents
• L1 Blanket approval notice – I129S , I797
• Copy of Passport including spouse name
• Copy of Visa
• Copy of I-94
• Copy of Indian Marriage Certificate, issued by Government of India
• Employment Letter
Thanks, for your assistance.
Hi All,
Can anyone provide the information on the cashiers check as I don’t have bank account how can I avail the check.
Hello All,
Need advice pls. I have to renew my ead since its expiring in Nov 2017. I am in india on vacation and my I-94 has old entry. Can I apply with my old I-94 or do i need to come back and apply with new I-94. Thanks for your response.
Hi,
How can you know that your application was accepted? Is there a tracking # they usually send over or what?
Thanks,
Hello! I wanted to extend I-765. I have a visa L 2 invest visa. When filling out the following questions:
1)№ 11 if “Yes” then where can I to get information, if possible please link.
2) № 16 will be ( ) (a) (18)? If the visa L2
3) do the №17,18,19 concern me?
Thank you very much for your help!
Hi All,
Need help about EAD application.
My current L2 EAD expired and I had to take break for my job till I get my EAD extension.
Can I apply for my EAD extension by attaching my husband’s L1 visa approval copy or is it mandatory to submit my L2 visa copy ?
If in case I submit my EAD application and received RFE to submit my L2 visa copy, what will be the time duration to submit the requested documents?
In case I fail to submit the documents within the given time than should I need to submit a fresh application with new payment ?
Yes I presume you would need to submit the visa copy of both L1 and L2 along with other documents like I-94, your expired EAD copy.
In case of RFE generally 90 days of response time is given but it is strongly encouraged to respond ASAP as all the immigration benefits are time sensitive
When do we know EAD is confirmed? I applied for EAD on june 10 ’17???
YOU CAN CHECK IT ONLINE AFTER APPLYING ON USCIS WEBSITE.
YOU CAN DAILY CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR CASE.
Hello All,
For L2 EAD do we need to go for Bio-metric?.
My case was accepted on May19th 2017.
Best Regards
Yougal
I applied on May 30th, I have not heard anything back? Share your timeline.
I applied on May 8th, I have not heard anything back? Share your timeline.
Hello Jatin,
My case was received on may 19 and I received my card on July 17th.
Also this time there is no biometric
Wish you all the very best
Regards
Yougal
Hi,
Can someone share the URL for applying EAD online?
Regards
Stephen
Hello Stephen,
I am not sure if we could still apply EAD online. I believe the option now is to post you application to lockbox along with your supporting documents + Cheque + 2 Passport size photo.
Best Regards
Yougal.
i am on L1 Visa, and want to apply EAD for my Wife ( she is currently in L2).. Please advise we should pay $410 or $495 as filing fee.. if only $410.. what is the reason for remaining $85 ..
Did you get response to this question? I filed for my wife under L2 and got the rejection notice for wrong amount. I sent cheque for $495. I am wondering if I need to send a cheque with $410?
I am assuming that for L2 owners, they dont need to do Biometrics since it is already captured.
Any luck on this?
Hello,
The amount is $410 USD. You can also call USCIS and they should tell you. I called them and I was told no biometric fee is necessary.
Hope this helps.
For bio metric printing, where i have to go- near to my location EAD office or documents mailed office?
Hi all,
I have to apply for EAD (Freah) application form. For e notification G-1145 form is avaible online is of Old date mentioned ( expires on 09/30/2016 )- is that correct ?
2) And what is mailing address to send mail form Georgia ?
2) Mailing address required to send documents.
Please help !!
I will really appreciate for quick response.
Thanks!!!
I have a valid EAD till 2018 and my spouse is on L1B. Now spouse is going to change from L1B to L1A.
Do I need to apply for a new EAD or can I use the same EAD till the expiry?
Can someone please comment… Thanks
Hi ,
I am applying for the EAD, I am on L2, Do I need to pay for Biometrics?
Regards
Murali
No you dont need to
Thanks for these details.
I would like to know few details as I’ve also applied L2 EAD (mailed to Dallas, TX location) on 1st week of March,2017 and 2nd week of March,2017 got the confirmation mail on my EAD receipt number at my US address.
Few queries I’ve:
1) Do I need to give Bio-metric for my L2 EAD? if yes, then do you have any idea how long will it take to get the Bio-metric interview date?
2) As my EAD is in-process can I travel to India and will return back once my EAD got approved?
3) Is there going to be any effect on my L2 EAD process if I travel to India?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi there,
I am also in the Texas service center for L2 EAD, received on March 14 2017. Can you let me know when you receive an update? I saw they are currently processing cases received in November 2016.
-Sarah
I am preparing documents for EAD.
I already translated my marital status certificate and got a certificate of translation accuracy.
Do I have to submit the original document of certificate of translation accuracy?
Or Can I submit that copies?
I’m planning fro F1 to L2 conversion and currently on OPT EAD which is expiring in August 2017. Can i apply EAD too for L2 while doing conversion process with USCIS or EAD has to be applied once I received L2 visa.
Hi All,
Could you please let me know about latest fees of EAD L2
It is $410 USD. Check https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
FYI, My EAD is approved today with message, “We ordered your new card”. Took exactly 50 days to this status.
I sent my application on 14th Nov and accepted by USCIS on 16th Nov 2016
Hello,
Today I received my EAD card but its my bad, the first name has a typo and I have to submit the application again with the check of $380 as per the customer care. Why should we pay this much just for the sake of name correction? Dont really understand this.
In addition to this, my Indian employer is waiting for me for this long and now I don’t know what to do. As per USCIS customer care officer I can not work until I receive my new corrected card. Is that true?
Can someone correct me if their terms are not exactly correct.
Thanks
Venkat
Can you please tell me where did you submit? Was it Arizona, Texas, Nebraska or somewhere else?
Guys, I am surprised to see this status today from USCIS “we ordered your new card for Receipt Number” Does it mean my EAD is approved?
Yes, it’s approved. When did u apply? I am waiting for wife’s ead. Did u get any other notification from them after application receipt.
No messages since the receipt of my application, I sent my application on 14th Nov and accepted by USCIS on 16th Nov 2016.
But, I called them for correction of my name on the receipt and placed request.
11/16/2016
We received your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization .
12/15/2016
On December 15, 2016, your request to correct an error on your document or notice, referral number T1B3341607018NSC, was assigned to an officer for response.
12/15/2016
On December 15, 2016, we sent a response to your request to correct an error on your document or notice, referral number T1B3341607018NSC.
12/15/2016
On December 15, 2016, your request to correct an error on your document or notice, referral number T1B3341607018NSC, was completed.
This is the info I get when I register on USCIS and add my case.
Yes !
Hi,
My wife got L1 visa stamped last week, we both working in same company.
though am holding L2 visa can i work there? if not can i apply EAD from here?
please let me know
Regards,
Krishna
Hi,
My wife got L1 visa stamped last week, we both working in same company.
though i have L2 visa, can i work there? if not can i apply EAD from india.
please let me know
Thanks,
Krishna
I also need to apply EAD for my spouse on the basis of L2 visa.
Can you please suggest what should be filled in 14,15,16 of I765
Also does the personal check will work for the payment if yes then against whom it has to be issued.
I need this info urgently. Can any one please help.
14 – 15 should be L2 and 16 should be (a)(18).
Check should be in favor of U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
More detail can be found at https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-765instr.pdf?download=1
Hi,
I am applying for EAD for my spouse on L2 visa currently. What are option of paying fees? Can I pay the fees from my bank account check? or the check should be from Spouse bank?
Hi Chetan,
I am on the same phase as you but in my wife is L1 and I am L2. I also spoke to help desk. I am going with Money Order which is also one option.
I don’t see any restrictions like that on “applicant should be the account holder while issuing the check”.
I am going to mail my documents today to USCIS.
You may check the address to send your documents here if you are not sure like me.
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/forms-information/uscis-phoenix-and-dallas-lockbox-facilities
BOL
Venkat
Hi Venkat, Did you get any update on L2 Visa. Even my wife applied mid nov, but no updates after reciept.
I mean L2 EAD.
Hi Ankur,
I am still waiting for the update from them. Hopefully we can expect after Jan 15th . This process normally takes minimum 75 days. If we have luck, it can be any time like it happen to Kavitha here.
Hello Saurabh & Kavitha,
Thanks for valuable information here. I am filled my application and confused where to pay the fee and which office to send?
I stay in Farmington Hills MI. Please help.
Thanks in advance
Hi ,
Can you please share the info regarding 14,15,16 question on I765 form
also against whom we need to issue the personal check.
appreciate your help. Thanks,
How many does it take for the USCIS to accept the application once it has reached then. I tracked the package and it has received the destination already.
The 2 photos which are required are Passport sized photographs right? OR is there any specific size of the photograph that is valid?
Megha,
Passport size photographs should work.
Which process is faster-online or offline EAD? And what is the reason that for online there is a biometrics and not for offline when in online also we need to send documents by post?
Do we need to send a copy of SSN? I have the number but have misplaced the SSN card somewhere..
Hi,
My wife is on L2 visa and planning to apply for EAD. She had an EAD card (L2 visa) few years back which has expired now.
I have some questions about filling I – 765.
no 10. Alien Registration number or Form I 94 number (if any): ???
There is Alien Registration number on her previous EAD card so what no. should I write here A# 0r I94 number??
no.14 Status of Last Entry: ??
no.15 Current Immigration Status: ??
(answer for 14 and 15 is L2??)
Thanks,
Satish
Hello Saurabh,
My application for L2 EAD says New Card Is Being Produced. Do you have an idea how long does that take to be delivered?
I was not called for Bio Metrics so not sure if i’m missing something.
Regards
Kavitha
Kavitha,
The card is usually received within 1-2 weeks. SLA is 30 days though.
Thank you Saurabh
My experience is in above article on timeline and documents list. It took 42 days overall.
you are very lucky . I applied on 8th June and my status still is showing that they received/accepted on the same date. When I called them they said that it will take minimum 75 days to process .
Hi,
I also applied on 10th June and my status still is showing that they received/accepted on the same date. 10 days ago when I called them they said that it will take minimum 75 days to process . Now i completed 75 days & still my status is same.
Definitely Kavitha is lucky to receive it on 42 days.
Hi
Thanks for checklist provided for L2 EAD application , it was very beneficial.
My Spouse EAD got approved in 32 days , I followed the checklist mentioned above.
1. USCIS accepted the application on 11/7/2016
2. Received the acknowledgement # for tracking on 11/16/2016
3. Case status changed to ” Application is approved” -12/8/2016
5. Case Status changed to ” Mailed the card” on 12/12/2016
It took 32 days for whole procedure .
Thanks a lot for all help
Hi – Did you have an SSN before applying? If one has applied for SSN but not received yet, do we fill up the receipt number in I765?
Hi kavitha
I have also applied L2 EAD. I got the approval (i 797) letter. They mention that we will send ur EAD card..Do u know how long does it take to receive my card? And they didn’t mention anything about biometrics. Do i need to appear for biometric interview before getting card…
Hi,
Does it make any difference if an employer files your L2 EAD vs an applicant filing on his own? Also, is the applicant bound to work for the employer who has filed for an applicant’s L2 EAD?
Pallavi,
Either can apply. You are not required to work for them. However, if you have signed an contracts when they applied EAD for you, then its a different thing.
Hi, can someone send me the link for online Employment Authorization Document
Shilpa,
A simple Google search gave me this as first search result.
Hi Padmaja, Can you please help me out the point no 16,17 and 18 answers ” who may file form 1-765 form” as you recently filled-up the 1-765 form for for L2-EAD. I am going to to apply L2-EAD.
Thanks
Upasana
I am applying for L2 EAD, I have a doubt about point no 16 ” who may file form 1-765 form”
Can you please help me out what the answer for that .
Thanks
upasana
Upasana,
You should put “(a)(18)” as response to 16.
Question 17 and 18 are not applicable as they are for F-1 OPT and H-4 EAD applicants.
Thank you Saurabh for your immediate reponse , I belong to L2-EAD not belong to both F1 and H4 EAD. Is required to fill up 17 and 18 for L2-EAD case?
Question 17 and 18 are not applicable as they are for F-1 OPT and H-4 EAD applicants
Regards
Upasana
Upasana,
Read again what I said. You are NOT required to fill 17 and 18 as they are for F-1 and H-4 visa holders; which means You are NOT required to fill 17 and 18 as you are on L-2.
Thank you Saurabh for your valuable information . Now I am clear to fill-up the file.
Hi,
I had applied for EAD on 1st week of Feb 2016 and the UCSIS received my documents on 9th Feb 2016. Its already 3 months on 9th May 2016 and I have not received my EAD. The status on USCIS still shows “Case was Received”. I called USCIS and they raised an ticket and told to follow up only after 30 days, apart from this they gave no reason. Not sure whats the issue. Can anyone help? How much time EAD is taking these days?
Padmaja Giri,
You can look at processing times on USCIS site for I-765 (EAD application). I assume this is for H-4. They are currently processing Jan 18 applications for VT center and Feb 16 applications for CA center. What is your center?
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your reply and the information you gave.
I had called the USCIS call centre and they themselves can’t answer how much time it will take to process. I have applied for L2 EAD and mine is VT centre i guess as the receipt no. starts with LINxxxxxxx. It’s already 90 days past and still waiting eagerly.
Padmaja Giri,
If the receipt number starts with LIN, then it is Nebraska Service Center whose processing time is Feb 16. However, it has been highlighted in yellow which means they are experiencing processing delay. Not much you can do except wait for them to provide next update.
Thanks a lot Saurabh for the information. Lets see when it arrives.
How to submit my filled EAD form(PDF ) now, when e-filling system has been discontinued .
i want to know , how to submit fees for EAD , I have already filled the form and collected supported documents, next is what?
Hi
I applied for ead in Nov,2015 and got the confirmation from USCIS that the case has been received. But I haven’t received the I797 form by mail. I have called USCIS and asked them to send again.
I want to know, will this affect the total turn around time for my EAD card to come ?
Regards
Sakshi
Hey Sakshi,
Can you help me in letting few information regarding L2 EAD, as my new to it . I have already filled my form but need to gather few information if you can help
I want to apply EAD of my spouse. Kindly help me
Hi Forum,
I have submitted I-765 through online.
I have few questions ?
after submitting application through online, should I wait for official Receipt Notice from USCIS or can I proceed with submitting my documents with cover letter ?
as part of documents I am submitting following :
1. Spouse passport copy
2. Spouse I-94
3. Marriage Certificate
3. L1 I-797 copy
4. 2 color photgraphs.
5. I-765 form.
please correct if any thing else need to be sent.
Hi Manjunath,
Am on same boat.
Suggest how you proceeded further.
Thanks