Which is the better option for my dependents, L2 or B2 visa?

I currently have a B2 visa. I intend to bring my wife and son for visit to the US for travel and pleasure with me, and so I would like them to apply for their own B2 visa. My current company intends to apply for an L1B visa for me, for an upcoming work assignment. Which is the better option for my dependents? Option 1) Apply for a B2 visa? or Option 2) Apply for an L2 (I believe that is the dependent visa for L1B holders) once I get the L1B visa? The intention is also to be able to travel in the future for pleasure and visit.
Best Answer
It depends a bit on your intentions and how long you'll be in the US.
A B-2 visa is for temporary visits, usually for up to six months at a time or less. Your wife and son would need to demonstrate that their permanent home remained outside the US, and they could be questioned on entry about their intent to go back home. They would not be allowed to work or study in the US or remain in the country indefinitely.
An L-2 visa would allow your wife and son to stay in the US for as long as you can, and grants other benefits. Your wife could get an Employment Authorization Document and work in the United States and your son could attend school. Under various circumstances, it's possible, maybe, that you could eventually adjust status to become US permanent residents and remain in the US if you wish (whether or not that's something you're interested in now, it's possible you could change your mind in the future).
Since your company is sponsoring you for an L-1 visa, it would be best to talk to the immigration lawyers handling the matter to get professional advice, as your choice now has ramifications for future possibilities in the US.
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Can an L2 visa holder apply for green card?
L2 Visa to Green Card L2 visa holders are dependent on the primary L1 visa holder. They may be included in the process for adjustment of status (also known as applying for a Green Card). Make sure your L2 visa is valid when you apply for a Green Card to prevent the necessity for advance parole.How long is L2 visa valid?
L-2 visa duration and extension The validity period of the dependent's L-2 visa is directly tied to that of the L-1 visa holder's. In the case of L-1A visa holder dependents, the L-2 visa holders may stay in the U.S. for up to seven years while dependents of L-1B visa holders may stay in the U.S. for up to five years.How long can someone stay in the US on a B2 visa?
The maximum amount of time issued for a B1/B2 visa is 180 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the United States.Can L2 visa get rejected?
Most L-2 visa applications are not rejected; however, valid L-2 visa rejection reasons include the official of the US Embassy believing that you are going to the US to support your spouse who is already there, maybe under false employment contracts. So state the facts and try to give as much detail as possible.How i got my US tourist Visa|multiple entry|My experienced
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