Eligible dependents generally use L-2 status in either case. A qualifying L spouse is employment-authorized incident to that status, while children do not gain work authorization solely through L-2.
Assess the household without changing the principal's category
The applicant's principal route should follow the actual role, not an assumption that a different L subcategory changes a spouse's permissions. Record each family member's intended work or study plan along with their age and status dates. Confirm the spouse's current documentation and any independent employment route rather than assuming one type of card is always required.
Treat the household as a parallel plan: identify each person’s intended arrival, work, education, and status evidence. A qualifying spouse’s work authority follows from the appropriate L status, but that does not answer licensing, tax, or business questions. Hypothetical example: a specialized-knowledge transferee’s spouse plans to operate a mobile bicycle-repair service after arrival, while their child is finishing secondary school.
The family should confirm the spouse’s admission documents and plan the enterprise separately from the petition. School enrollment and the child’s age should be monitored because an accompanying child does not obtain independent work permission.