It can be described accurately as a proposal, not current staffing. A qualifying L spouse needs valid dependent status and appropriate work-authorization evidence, such as the applicable spouse-specific I-94 notation.
Separate the household’s plan from existing operational support
The principal’s approval does not grant the spouse status. Qualifying unmarried children under 21 may accompany as L dependants but do not obtain the spouse’s employment authorization. Review status before anyone begins the planned work.
The difference between derivative statuses is one of the most consequential things a household can learn early. A service agreement does not establish the spouse’s US work permission. Identify who can lawfully do the tasks if the spouse is not yet authorized. Compare the changed assignment with the principal’s current status end date before extending any internal schedule. An eligible L-2 spouse is employment-authorized incident to status, but a pending petition or anticipated admission authorizes no U.S. work. The principal's L-1A petition must still prove the related active organizations, one continuous qualifying foreign year in the previous three and a US role that is primarily managerial or executive. Plan the timing so that a child close to 21 is not left without status mid-year.