President Signs into Law Work Authorization For Spouses and Reduction in L-1 Qualifying Periods For Certain Companies

On January 16, 2002 President Bush signed into law two bills that will have a positive effect on business immigration. H.R. 2277 provides spouses of E-1 (treaty-trader) and E-2 (treaty-investor) visa holders the ability to apply for work authorization. H.R. 2278 provides the spouses of L-1 (intra-company transferees) the ability to obtain work authorization. In addition, for those companies using a Blanket L, this bill also shortens the requirement of one year continuous time working for a related entity outside the United States to six months.

We are waiting for specific instructions from INS on the application process for spousal work authorization and will keep the website updated as we receive further directions.