Review the spouse’s actual valid status and proposed activity separately. The principal’s executive role does not itself supply the spouse’s immigration record or authorization.
Identify the spouse’s individual role
A qualifying L spouse may work incident to valid dependent status with applicable evidence; children do not receive that spouse benefit. Explain whether the spouse would attend meetings, direct work or hold another role so the activity can be assessed. A family relationship or board title should not be used as a substitute for the individual status and professional requirements. Dependent eligibility concerns an eligible spouse and unmarried children under 21; assess the individual status and authorized period.
Where relatives genuinely do work, the arrangement should appear in ordinary business records: an employment agreement or engagement letter, payroll entries, and evidence of the authorization each person relies on.
Make a chart showing passport validity, marriage or birth records, current status, planned travel dates, and each child’s age. Marriage must be legally recognized for the spouse to hold derivative status at all, which is worth confirming for couples who have lived together for years without marrying.