L-1 Visa: Intra-Company Transferee Program for Multinational Companies
The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from a foreign office to a related U.S. entity. This visa is designed for executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred to work in the United States on a temporary basis.
The L-1 visa has two categories:
- L-1A – For executives and managers.
- L-1B – For employees with specialized knowledge.
Large multinational companies may also benefit from the blanket L-1 petition process, which allows for the streamlined transfer of multiple employees without requiring separate applications for each individual.
L-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an L-1 visa, both the employer and the employee must meet the following criteria:
1. Qualifying Relationship Between U.S. and Foreign Entities
- The U.S. employer must have a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship with the foreign company.
- The foreign and U.S. entities must remain operational for the duration of the L-1 transfer.
2. Employee Qualifications
- The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years before the transfer.
- The position in the U.S. must be in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
3. Establishing a New U.S. Office
- If the L-1 employee is coming to the U.S. to open a new office, the company must demonstrate that it has secured physical premises and has the financial capacity to support the business and the transferred employee.
L-1 Visa Application Process
The L-1 visa process involves several steps:
- File Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) – The U.S. employer must file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the employee.
- Obtain USCIS Approval – Once the I-129 petition is approved, the employee may apply for an L-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Consular Processing or Change of Status – If the employee is outside the U.S., they must apply for an L-1 visa through consular processing. If already in the U.S., a change of status application may be filed.
- Entry to the U.S. & Period of Stay – L-1A employees can initially stay for one year (if opening a new office) or up to three years otherwise, with extensions up to seven years total. L-1B employees can stay for a maximum of five years.
L-1 Visa for Dependents (L-2 Visa)
- The spouse and minor children of an L-1 visa holder are eligible for L-2 status, allowing them to live and study in the U.S.
- L-2 spouses may apply for work authorization, enabling them to be employed in the U.S. without restrictions.
How Wang Law Firm Can Assist You
At Wang Law Firm, our experienced L-1 visa attorneys provide comprehensive legal support for employers and multinational corporations seeking to transfer employees to the U.S. We offer:
- L-1 Visa Petition Preparation – Assisting businesses in filing individual and blanket L-1 petitions with USCIS.
- New Office L-1 Planning – Advising companies on establishing new U.S. offices, ensuring compliance with L-1 visa requirements.
- Consular Processing & USCIS Filings – Representing clients at U.S. consulates and embassies for L-1 visa applications.
- Strategic Corporate Immigration Consulting – Helping businesses develop L-1 staffing plans to support long-term expansion in the U.S.
- L-1 Extensions & Compliance Guidance – Ensuring ongoing visa compliance and securing L-1 visa extensions for key employees.
Schedule a Consultation with an L-1 Visa Attorney
The L-1 visa process can be complex and requires careful planning to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration regulations. Whether you are an employer looking to transfer key personnel or an employee considering an L-1 opportunity, our attorneys at Wang Law Firm can guide you through every step.
📞 Contact us today for a consultation with an experienced L-1 visa lawyer and explore your options for intra-company transfers to the United States.
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