Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was tasked with creating new I-94 designations for all L-2 and E dependents and has now confirmed that L-2 and E visa dependents who have entered the country on or after January 31, 2022, have been issued I-94s with these more specific designations. This comes as a result of a settlement with the Department of Homeland Security and related policy guidance.
Long U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services processing times often resulted in the loss of employment authorization for dependent spouses, proving problematic for the individual as well as their US employers.
Now, individuals admitted with the designation of E-1S, E-2S, E-3S, or L-2S have work authorization incident to status and can provide their I-94s as evidence.
The new designations for all dependents of E or L visa beneficiaries are:
- E-1S — Spouse of E-1
- E-1Y — Child of E-1
- E-2S — Spouse of E-2
- E-2Y — Child of E-2
- E-3S — Spouse of E-3
- E-3Y — Child of E-3
- L-2S — Spouse of L-1A or B
- L-2Y — Child of L-1A or B
Individuals who entered the US before January 31 must travel internationally and re-enter to be issued an I-94 with the new designations.
If you have any questions, please contact the NP Immigration Team.