Both generally use L-2 for eligible dependents. Qualifying L spouses may be employment-authorized incident to status with appropriate documentation; children do not gain that permission.
Review the family on its own facts
An employment authorization document is not universally required for qualifying L spouses. Study may be permitted while dependent status is maintained, but it does not extend the stay or authorize child employment. List each family member’s relationship, age, passport, prior status and intended activity separately from the company’s technical narrative.
A qualifying L-2 spouse may work as an incident of valid status when carrying the appropriate evidence; dependent children may study but cannot work on that basis. Hypothetical example: a robotic-dairy systems specialist moves with a spouse who plans part-time employment and a child who wants a paid laboratory placement. Marriage and birth records establish the dependent relationship, but they do not authorize the child’s placement.
The family should decide whether the placement needs its own lawful basis before accepting it. The principal’s specialized knowledge does not extend work authorization to everyone travelling together. Keep later school, work or travel changes in the family file instead of assuming the technical petition covers them.
A dependent’s proposed activity must remain lawful even where the principal’s employer urgently needs the transfer.