L-1 to L-2 with EAD

[Ale0]

My spouse and I both have L-1 visas.

Is it possible for me to file for I-539 and I-765 concurrently to change status to L-2 with EAD?

Can I do this without losing L-1 status and my current job while change of status + EAD are processing?

[Gina1808]

I don't see why not. You would be allowed to stay after your L1 expires while I-539 is pending, but you would not be allowed to work between L1 expiry and the EAD getting issued.

Please keep in mind that current I-539 processing times are at 10 months+, with trend getting worse (was 5 months+ in Oct 2020). I-765 is contingent on I-539 getting approved. It's just about impossible to expedite the processing of these forms under L category (logic is that L1 is able to support any dependents). There are talks about USCIS introducing premium processing for L2 I-539s and I-765s in or after September, but there is no date set yet and the price tag may be around $3k.

You could consider changing status at a consulate, but that means you'd lose work authorization (and standalone L2 EAD processing times are not too great either), so USCIS seems to be the better option for you, especially considering the upcoming premium processing option.