Dependent plans should account for relationship evidence, school plans, and the different work rules that apply to a spouse and children.
Keep dependency evidence current
A qualifying L spouse may be authorized for employment incident to valid dependent status with appropriate documentation; children may study but do not obtain that same work authorization. Hypothetical example: The principal will start a transfer first and the family will follow after a graduation. Store copies of the principal’s petition and status evidence, then confirm what the spouse and each child need for their own travel.
Relationship documents should be legible, complete, and translated with the required certification if they are not in English. Do not treat a family member’s passport expiration as a minor administrative detail; it may affect planning. A child approaching 21 deserves early review because dependency rules can change the practical options.
Household arrangements such as a lease, school acceptance, or a spouse’s employer interest do not grant immigration status, so avoid making irreversible commitments before the individual documents are reviewed. Discuss the plan with each person whose travel, school, or work is affected. Keep future intentions accurately described, since a family hope is not a granted immigration benefit.
A change in a passport, marital status, age, or principal applicant’s situation may call for a new review. Coordinated folders are helpful only when they preserve, rather than blur, individual facts. For this l1b review, keep that conclusion tied to the documents actually available.
Confirm the current procedure before relying on an earlier file or informal description.