Like every working women in India, who wanted to join their spouse in USA and still doesn't want to lose their career, I consider L2 visa as a gift. I came to USA in 2015, hoping I was one among the gifted. Ironically it was the very same year it became legit that H4 candidates can also work, provided their spouse have valid I-140 (after applying for green card). So, H4 and L2 visa cases are almost same now :)...
Nevertheless, still you can enjoy your freedom.
Hope this blog would help someone who is travelling to US for the first time to be with their family, I believe my experience would throw some light for you and bring some clarity on what to expect. It is almost a year now since I left my mother land and started to live with my spouse in USA. Initially, I was excited for two reasons before starting from my country. 1) I will join my family very soon, and 2) My career path would be still on track (so that I could console myself that it was worth to leave my current concern :) ). Both became true after I landed the lands of opportunity.
I would like to share few tips and ideas that might be helpful for someone who are travelling on L2 visas,
Nevertheless, still you can enjoy your freedom.
Hope this blog would help someone who is travelling to US for the first time to be with their family, I believe my experience would throw some light for you and bring some clarity on what to expect. It is almost a year now since I left my mother land and started to live with my spouse in USA. Initially, I was excited for two reasons before starting from my country. 1) I will join my family very soon, and 2) My career path would be still on track (so that I could console myself that it was worth to leave my current concern :) ). Both became true after I landed the lands of opportunity.
I would like to share few tips and ideas that might be helpful for someone who are travelling on L2 visas,
- If you are super interested to work in US then brush your skill sets when you have enough time in your own country. If possible attend few job interviews to familiarize and test yourself (This is required only if you don't have work experience or if you have not tried new jobs for a long time). In case you are extremely talented then you can maintain your cool.
- Regarding your travel, two baggage's of 23 kg each are allowed in flight(at least for the airlines which I took. Find out how much you could carry from your airlines). So now, relax and plan it properly. I happened to carry things those were not required and leave behind that was necessary. Take time to discuss with your spouse, on what is necessary for your household and family. As you could buy few day-to-day utilities from your local shop at US and need not carry them with you.
- As this was my first flight and travelling alone, I tried to familiarize the itinerary plan through some YouTube videos, mostly regarding filling the custom form, immigration and baggage checks, collection etc,. Discuss the same with your spouse if he/she has already traveled.
- Once you are in US, apply for SSN the very first week and it is a quick process you could get it within a week.
- Apply for your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) in parallel, but this might take 2 to 3 months depending on the place where you ought to apply. This is where your wait starts. But never get irritated, its time to learn cooking, exploring places, improving or grooming yourself, making friends, spend valuable time with your spouse, learn to use the public transit by your own, observe a lot, learn road rules, try to drive with your spouse help and so on. Remember, you will definitely end up getting your EAD, even if it is little delayed. So, dont panic.
- Get US driving license from your nearby DMV. (Learn parallel parking... :))
- In meantime, open an individual bank account or create a joint account with your spouse
- Once you receive your EAD, its lot of effort to find a job in same place as your spouse. But, if you are determined to stay together with your family, then be patient until you find the right one. P.S: As a suggestion you could opt for a job in another state or city initially. But continue searching for other new positions, as you may find a job at some time later near to your family. Since you are a independent contractor/employee, you could leave your current job at any time and move back. There isn't any headache like H1 employee who have to submit their amendments etc., which is big process.
- While trying for a job, be clear on what type of job you are looking for. Whether it is going to be contract, full time, part time or remote. And the pay check mode like w2, corp2corp (c2c), 1099 and so on. Also the salary part that you can expect based on your previous experience. I stumbled a lot initially not knowing what these actually mean and what to opt for in given scenario. There are lot of information on Google.
- If at all you are not able to land at any job that matches your skillets and if you are bored at home, then think of any secondary job that you are ready to take. For example, I was contacted by couple nearby supermarket for supervisor or managerial positions, which I am not familiar with, but still you could give a try at worst case. If money doesn't matter to you, then try for few voluntary jobs. (I have no idea or tried voluntary jobs. But I hope this would help you to improve your circle)
- Last but not least, remember that you are the responsible person here for whatever happens to you, unlike your home country where one is surrounded by their family, relatives and friends who are ready to help you at any time. So, always think ahead, be proactive and be matured enough to take big steps. Not to forget, enjoy the beautiful land to the fullest of your stay.... :)
