Can L-2 children work part-time?

Generally, no. Children in L-2 status are not authorized to work in the United States, not even part-time. Work authorization under L-2 is a benefit reserved for the spouse, who may apply for an employment authorization document (EAD); it does not extend automatically to dependent children.

Minors enter the country as dependents to accompany the family, and that status alone does not grant the right to engage in paid employment. There are very specific and exceptional situations, such as certain areas of the entertainment industry, but those involve their own rules and must also comply with applicable child labor laws.

• The L-2 spouse may apply for an EAD; L-2 children, as a rule, may not.
• L-2 status for children is intended to allow them to accompany the family, not to work.
• Exceptions are rare and subject to specific federal and local regulations.

Because this topic involves both immigration and labor rules, the safest approach is to verify with official sources and, if a specific situation is at hand, consult a qualified specialist before any paid activity.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.