L-1 Executive/Manager Visa

The L-1 visa is designed for certain employees of international companies who are being transferred to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliated entity. To qualify, the U.S. business must be operational; however, it does not need to conduct international trade or operate in the same field as its foreign counterpart. Ownership must maintain control over both entities. The L-1 visa facilitates the transfer of these employees to perform tasks that require “specialized knowledge” in the United States or to establish a new office. To be considered for the L-1A visa, managers or executives must have worked for the company abroad for a minimum of one continuous year in the preceding three years. For the L-1B visa, this applies to individuals with specialized knowledge. Unlike other visa categories, obtaining a Labor Condition Application from the Department of Labor is not a prerequisite for employers under this visa classification.

Should a foreign national be transferred to the U.S. to set up a new office, the employer needs to secure sufficient physical premises for the office, which must sustain an executive or managerial role within the first year post-L-1 visa petition approval.

Dependents

Spouses and dependent children under 21 years of age of L-1 visa holders qualify for the L-2 visa. L-1 visa holders’ spouses can apply for work authorization once they have entered the U.S. under L-2 status.

Validity Period

The U.S. may grant L-1A status to managers and executives for up to seven years, and L-1B status to those with specialized knowledge for up to five years. For new offices, the initial L-1 status may be up to one year. Any duration spent in H-1B status is included in the maximum L-1A or L-1B period.

Documentation Needed for the L-1 Visa Application

  • Proof of a qualifying relationship between the U.S. company and its foreign counterpart in terms of structure, ownership, and control
  • Documentation confirming the employee’s managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role at the foreign company
  • Verification of the employee’s tenure at the foreign company for at least one year in the three years prior to the application
  • A comprehensive job description for the U.S. role, ensuring it fits within an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity

The Ahluwalia Firm’s Commitment Includes:

  • Vigorous representation in proceedings with the USCIS
  • Detailed assessment of your unique situation
  • Meticulous management of correspondence with government entities
  • Delivery of a service model that aims to surpass your expectations

For additional information about our ability to help, prepare, and file all the necessary documents required to apply for the L-1 Intra-company Transferee Visa, contact us for reliable advice.

Source: USCIS Website

HEAR IT FROM OUR CLIENTS

Dear Mr. Ahluwalia, I would like to thank you for all your help with Dr. xxx case. She and I were very impressed with your services and the professionalism that you showed both of us. I am referring you to a very good friend of mine who is opening a manufacturing plant and wants to bring his brother in as a partner/investor/employee from Italy. I am forwarding your information for xxxx to contact you and make arrangements accordingly. Thank you for all your help.

Dr. F.

Inderjit, thank you so very much. I sincerely appreciate all the effort you took to get this approved and your incredible patience. As xxx mentioned, we will only work with you for all our future H1's. Thanks once again.

Sujaya

Inderjit handled our immigration matter in reference to my parents. We approached him and found him extremely pleasant to work with. In addition to his knowledge of the law, he guided us very well throughout the process. I would recommend him very strongly to anyone in matter of immigration.

Ajay (Avvo Reviewer)

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