L1 Visa to Green Card | Global Immigration Partners

June 5, 2023

The L1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer their executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices. L1 visa holders can apply for a Green Card (permanent residency) while they are in the U.S. on their L1 visa , but the process can be complex and time-consuming.

Here are the general steps to go from an L1 visa to a Green Card:

Determine eligibility

To apply for a Green Card, you must meet the eligibility requirements based on your category, such as employment-based or family-based.

File the immigrant petition

Once you determine your eligibility, you or your employer must file an immigrant petition, either through Form I-140 (employment-based) or Form I-130 (family-based). The petition will establish that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Green Card.

Apply for Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing:

If you are in the U.S. on your L1 visa, you can apply for Adjustment of Status to obtain your Green Card without leaving the country. If you are outside the U.S., you will have to go through Consular Processing at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Attend biometrics appointment and interview:

After your petition is approved, you will be required to attend a biometrics appointment to have your fingerprints taken. You will also be scheduled for an interview with a USCIS officer to determine if you are eligible for a Green Card.

Receive a decision on your application: After your interview, you will receive a decision on your Green Card application. If your application is approved, you will receive your Green Card.

The process of going from an L1 visa to a Green Card can be complicated and time-consuming, so it’s recommended that you work with an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process.

Please contact us here so we can answer any questions you might have.