US L-1/L-2 assignments: what about the children's school?

This guide is for parents preparing for a US assignment with their family. It summarises official information from the US State Department and USCIS; it is not a decision on which visa your family can get.

L visas and family members

The US State Department (checked October 2026) says L visas are for intracompany transferees — managers, executives or specialised-knowledge staff — who worked for the same employer abroad for one year within the previous three. Most need an approved I-129 petition filed by the employer with USCIS. A spouse and unmarried minor children may apply for the same category; a USCIS presentation states that spouses and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for L-2. Other work visas such as H-1B also have family rules.

Can children attend public school?

The State Department says the public-school restrictions apply to F-1 student visas, not to the children of foreign workers, exchange visitors or diplomats. Dependants of most nonimmigrant visa holders may attend public primary schools and other public institutions.

For E-1/E-2 treaty visas, the US Embassy visa service says spouses and unmarried children under 21 may receive dependant visas and children may study.

Public school enrolment is by address

Public schools enrol through the local district, and your address decides the assigned school. Check the assigned school for an address on the district site before renting.

Checklist

• Have you confirmed the visa type and timing with your HR or immigration contact?
• Are each family member's dependant visa documents ready?
• Have you checked assigned schools for candidate addresses?
• Are enrolment documents (address, age, immunisations) ready?
• Have you thought about plans before a child turns 21?

Ask the school

• Documents needed to enrol a child on a dependant visa
• Whether mid-year entry is possible
• English learner support

Always confirm your own situation with the official authority or an immigration professional.