I am an E-2 spouse and want to apply for a work authorization. For how long will my work authorization card be valid? Is it tied to the E-2 visa expiration date? Is it tied to the I-94 expiration date?

An E-2 visa is a Visa Classification that is available for foreign nationals who wish to live in the U.S. to develop and direct the operations of a business. The business can be large or small and an E-2 Visa is a great Visa option for those who want to start a business.

If you are a spouse of an E-2 investor, you can apply for a work authorization card and once you receive the work authorization card, you will be able to start working in the U.S.

One thing to keep in mind is that the work authorization card will not be issued for the full validity of your E-2 visa. For example, if you were granted an E-2 visa on January 1, 2021 for 5 years (until January 1, 2026), you will not be able to get a work authorization card for the full E-2 visa validity period. Instead, the validity date of the work authorization card is tied to the expiration date of your I-94 (or if the E-2 investor’s I-94 expires prior to your I-94, the validity date of the work authorization would be tied to the E-2 investor’s I-94).

This means, that if you are in the U.S. on an E-2 spousal visa, you will have to renew your work authorization approximately every 2 years.

Please see our blog post on whether you need a Social Security Number to start working in the U.S. when you click here.

Please see our blog post on what is the difference between E-2 visa and E-2 status when you click here.

Please see our blog post on How to apply for a work authorization when you click here.

Please see our blog post on whether your  spouse needs a work authorization when you click here.

Please see our blog post on whether your spouse needs to apply for an E-2 visa at the same time as you when you  click here.