L-1A Visa – Intra-Company Transfer Visa for Executives & Managers
The L-1 Visa is a non-immigrant work visa that enables international companies to transfer key employees to their U.S. branch, subsidiary, parent company, or affiliate. This visa is ideal for business owners, executives, and managers who need to expand operations or oversee company growth in the United States.
The L-1A Visa is specifically designed for executives and managers, while the L-1B Visa applies to employees with specialized knowledge. This visa provides a temporary work permit, allowing professionals to live and work in the U.S. while contributing to their company’s development.
L-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an L-1 Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Employment History: The applicant must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
- Qualifying Role: The applicant must hold a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position.
- Company Relationship: The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
- Business Continuity: The foreign company must continue operating while the employee is in the U.S.
- Purpose of Transfer: The applicant must enter the U.S. to manage, direct operations, or contribute specialized expertise to the U.S. branch.
Health & Character Requirements: Applicants must meet U.S. health and moral standards to be eligible.
Benefits of the L-1 Visa
The L-1 Visa offers several advantages to business professionals and their families:
Pathway to a U.S. Green Card: L-1 visa holders can transition to permanent residency (Green Card) without requiring labor certification.
Spouse & Children Benefits: Spouses and children under 21 can accompany the L-1 visa holder on an L-2 visa. Spouses are eligible to work, and children can study without requiring a student visa.
Long-Term Stay Options: Initially granted for one year (new companies) or three years (established companies), with extensions up to seven years for L-1A holders and five years for L-1B holders.
No Investment Requirement: Unlike investor visas, the L-1 Visa does not require a minimum investment.
Flexibility in Work Location: L-1 visa holders can travel freely between the U.S. and other countries without jeopardizing their visa status.
L-1 Visa Process & Timeline
At EAM Immigration, we guide you through the L-1 Visa process to ensure a smooth and successful application. The expected timeline is as follows:
- Evaluate eligibility and company qualifications.
- Prepare and gather necessary documentation (employment records, business plans, company financials).
- File Form I-129 (L-1 Petition) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Premium Processing is available for faster approval (15 calendar days).
- Attend an interview at the U.S. consulate/embassy in the applicant’s home country.
- If approved, receive the L-1 visa stamp and prepare for U.S. relocation.
- Begin employment with the U.S. company and fulfill managerial/executive responsibilities.
- Apply for extensions or permanent residency if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The L-1 Visa is a temporary work visa that allows international companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to work in their U.S. office.
- L-1A Visa (Executives & Managers): Initially valid for one year (new company) or three years (established company), with extensions up to seven years.
- L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge Employees): Initially valid for three years, extendable up to five years.
Yes, L-1A visa holders can apply for a Green Card through the EB-1C category without labor certification. L-1B holders can also transition to permanent residency but may need an employer-sponsored PERM application.
- L-1A Visa: For executives and managers overseeing company operations.
- L-1B Visa: For employees with specialized knowledge critical to business operations.
No, the U.S. office can be a new business. However, it must show the capacity to support an executive or manager within one year.
Yes, spouses and children under 21 can apply for an L-2 Visa. Spouses are eligible to work without restrictions, and children can study in the U.S.
If the U.S. company ceases operations, the L-1 visa becomes invalid, and the visa holder must apply for a different visa category or leave the U.S.
No, the L-1 Visa has no annual cap, making it a reliable option for companies expanding to the U.S.
Start Your L-1 Visa Journey with EAM Immigration
The L-1 Visa is a powerful tool for business expansion, allowing multinational companies to bring top executives, managers, and key employees to the U.S. At EAM Immigration, we specialize in handling L-1 applications, ensuring a seamless process from petition filing to visa approval.
Are you ready to take your business global? Contact EAM Immigration today to start your L-1 Visa application with expert guidance!
