L1 Visa Lawyer
At B&A Immigration, our team of experienced L1 visa lawyers are dedicated to assisting clients in navigating the complex process of obtaining an L1 intracompany transfer visa. Our attorneys understand the specific requirements for each L1 visa category and will provide personalised guidance and support throughout the entire application process. From gathering the necessary documentation to addressing potential challenges that may arise, our L1 visa lawyers are committed to helping you achieve a successful outcome.
L1 Visa USA
The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category designed for intracompany transferees who are being temporarily transferred from a foreign company to a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate company in the United States. The L1 visa is available for executives, managers (L1A), and employees with specialized knowledge (L1B) who have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
Key benefits of the L1 visa include:
Dual intent: L1 visa holders may pursue permanent residency (green card) without jeopardising their non-immigrant status.
L2 visas for dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the L1 visa holder and obtain work authorization (for spouses) during their stay in the US.
Visa duration: L1A visas can be extended up to a maximum of 7 years, while L1B visas can be extended up to 5 years.
Intracompany Transfer Visa USA
The L1 intracompany transfer visa is an ideal option for multinational companies looking to transfer key personnel to their US-based operations. To qualify for an L1 visa, both the US and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship, such as a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Additionally, the employee being transferred must meet the specific criteria for either an executive/manager (L1A) or specialized knowledge (L1B) role.
When considering an L1 intracompany transfer visa, it is crucial to work with an experienced immigration attorney who can guide you through the application process, ensuring that all requirements are met and that the transfer is as smooth as possible. At B&A Immigration, our skilled attorneys are well-versed in the L1 visa process and are committed to helping your company successfully transfer key personnel to the United States.
At B&A Immigration, we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your eligibility and options for obtaining an L1 intracompany transfer visa.
The international company may be either a U.S. or foreign organisation. The employee must have been employed outside the U.S. with the international company continuously for one year and the international office must remain in operation after the opening of the U.S. office.
L-1 A Executives and Managers
Criteria for Managers:
Manages the organisation or a department of the organisation;
Supervises and controls work of other supervisory, professional or managerial employees, or manages an essential function of the organisation;
Authority to hire and dismiss those employees they supervise, or work at a senior level within the organisation;
Authority to make decisions on the day-to-day operations of the department they manage.
Criteria for Executives:
Directs the management of the organisation (or part of it);
Sets policies and goals of the organisation (or part of it);
Extensive discretionary decision making;
Receives only general supervision or direction from higher level executives, board of directors or shareholders of the organisation.
L-1 B Specialized Knowledge Employees
Specialized knowledge possessed by the individual of an organisation includes:
Product;
Service;
Research;
Equipment;
Techniques; or
An advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the organisation's processes and procedures.
L-1 New Office
Where a qualified employee of an international company is coming to the U.S. in order to establish a parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary. Requirements include:
There are sufficient physical premises to house the new office;
Within one year of the approved petition, the U.S. operation will support an executive or managerial position;
In regards to an employee with specialized knowledge, that the petitioner has the financial ability to remunerate the beneficiary and commence business in the U.S.
Blanket Petitions
Where a company seeks to send multiple employees as intra-company transferees, a blanket petition may be filed. This type of petition is meant to serve only large established companies having multi-layered structures and numerous related business entities.
Visa Duration and L-2 Visas
The L-1A visa can be extended up to a maximum of 7 years in total and the L-1B for five years.
Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are admissible on an L-2 visa. Spouses are eligible to apply for work authorisation during their time in the U.S.