Studying in the USA on an L2 spouse visa

[UKmumintheUSA]

Hoping someone can help as relentless googling is not 😂
I have been in the USA for around 18 months now and it’s getting to the point where I need a job for my sanity more than anything 😂(currently a sahm). I worked as a health care/nursing assistant in the UK with the hope of eventually doing my nurse training. This was put on hold when we ended up moving here.

So I’ve been looking into nursing assistant roles here but they all say I need a CNA qualification which I don’t mind completing but can I study on this visa without my Employment Authorisation Document? ( still need to apply for this). My thinking was to study whilst waiting for the EAD.

Sorry for the long post it’s my first one 😊

I don't think they like people being on one visa, and then go and do something that'd require another type of visa. Why don't you take up a hobby that can keep you occupied / let you meet people?

I don’t think I would need a different visa? My visa allows me to work in the USA but I need to apply for my EAD - this is just another piece of paperwork to allow me to get a social security number.

Could you find work as a scrub nurse? They arent qualified there

You can get your social security number now. You need this before you can apply for your EAD card.

Yes you can study on an L2

MN is abuzz with L2 questions today

I would say yes. But it would probably be worth a quick call to an immigration lawyer. Before I had my EAD I checked to see if I could volunteer (some spousal visa types don't allow this) and it was fine. I would see studying as being the same.

If you don't yet have your EAD I'd get on it ASAP. It takes at least three months to be approved and arrive. It's valid for two years at a time.

Stealingyourwifi Oh really? Thanks I’ll look into that.

Thanks britinus1 and Bettythebutterfly. I know I need to pull my finger out and get it applied for just begrudge paying for it 😂.

Britinus1 i have my ITIN number - I was under the impression I couldn’t apply for a social security number until I had my EAD? It’s all so confusing I dont know if anyone else found this to be the case 😬

I didn't get my SSN until I received my EAD.

I’m pretty sure you need you EAD before you get your social security number. It is so difficult to get any information on all of this (I started the other L2 thread.

Chemenger it’s a minefield! I guess I need to get the ball rolling with EAD and look into courses then by the time the EAD/social security is sorted I can start applying for work.

Social security are definitely a bit confused about giving you an Ssn on L2 without EAD. They gave it me no problem (I was told I should be able to get it by immigration lawyer) but others I know haven't been given it until afterward. Given the others I know got their EAD fine I don't think you will need an Ssn to apply for Ead

Thanks summerlightning

I'm on an L2 and have some expat friends also on L2s. We all got SSNs within a month of arriving, way before we had our EADs. I had no idea this wasn't normal!

I've just finished a two year course of study at a local college and definitely didn't need my EAD. If there is any element of paid work experience that could be an issue though. One thing to watch out for is that you may be classed as an international student which could make the fees much higher (3x higher in my case). Fortunately my college offered exemption for spouses of my husband's company so I was charged the in-district fees. Had an absolutely fab time studying, the US system is so much more flexible than tertiary education in the UK. I'd highly recommend it.

I am on an L2 visa, I have my SS number but but not applied for my ead as I would have to transfer my qualification and take licensing exams. I am considering studying although the cost is eye watering compared to UK. So I am just volunteering at present, the government is so hands off that I have a formal volunteer role that would be a paid professional job in the UK.

Five years ago, my EAD came through in 90 days. I hear now that it's taking 8 or 9 months so if you intend on applying, don't delay.....

I got my SSN within a month or so of arriving. My EAD came through quickly once I applied for it but I've heard that 6-8 months isn't uncommon now. I'd start the ball rolling with your paperwork ASAP but yes, you can study on an L2 visa (it's not a "work visa" as such)

Thanks all