Work Authorization Bill for Spouses of Treaty Trader/Investors and Intra-Company Transferees Passes Congress

Bills concerning work authorization for spouses of Treaty Trader/Investors (E Visas Holders) and Intra-Company Transferees (L Visa Holders) were approved by the full Senate on December 20, 2001. E visas are granted to traders and investors from countries that have trade agreements with the U.S. These bills, H.R. 2277 and H.R. 2278, would allow spouses of Treaty Trader/Investors and Intra-Company Transferees respectively to obtain work authorization in the United States. In addition, H.R. 2278 cuts down the amount of time an L alien would have to work abroad for a qualifying related company before transferring to the United States where the individual is applying under a blanket L petition and meets the requirements for expedited processing.

Both these bills need to go to the President for signature. Finally, if these bills are signed into law, the INS will need to implement them through regulations or policy directives in order for individuals to take advantage of them.

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