(By Global Immigration Partners PLLC — globalimmigration.com/l1-visa-lawyer)
Getting your L-1 petition right the first time saves weeks—or even months—of delay. Here’s a comprehensive list of what to prepare before filing.
Corporate Relationship Evidence
- Incorporation certificates for both U.S. and foreign entities
- Shareholder structure documents
- Organizational chart showing ownership
- Proof of financial control (e.g., share certificates, tax returns, or annual reports)
Goal: Show a qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
Proof of Ongoing Business Activities
- Recent financial statements or bank records
- Invoices, contracts, or client correspondence
- Business licenses and leases for premises
- Payroll summaries or employee rosters
Goal: Demonstrate both entities are active and operational.
Detailed Job Descriptions
- Past role abroad (with specific duties, reporting lines, and authority)
- Future U.S. role (including managerial or executive functions)
- Explain how duties differ between countries
Goal: Clearly establish that the transferee qualifies as a manager/executive (L-1A) or specialized-knowledge employee (L-1B).
Proof of Employment Abroad
- Pay slips or payroll records
- Employment contracts
- Work visa or residency documentation (if stationed outside native country)
- HR letters confirming position and period of service
Goal: Verify one full year of continuous employment within the last three years.
U.S. Business Setup (for “New Office” Cases)
- Lease agreement or proof of office premises
- Business plan and financial projections (12-month forecast)
- U.S. business bank account statements
- Evidence of planned staffing within one year
Goal: Convince USCIS that the new office will support an executive or managerial role within 12 months.
Organizational Charts
- Visual charts for both the foreign and U.S. entities
- Titles, reporting lines, and departments
- Highlight the transferee’s role in context
Goal: Illustrate management hierarchy and decision-making authority.
Supporting Financial Documentation
- Tax filings, audited accounts, or annual reports
- Profit & loss statements or balance sheets
- Wire transfer proofs or invoices between parent and subsidiary
Goal: Show legitimate business operations and cross-border financial flow.
Evidence of Specialized Knowledge (for L-1B)
- Proof of unique systems, proprietary processes, or specialized technology
- Training certificates or internal memos illustrating expertise
- Reference letters from company executives explaining the knowledge area
Goal: Demonstrate knowledge that is not easily available in the U.S. labor market.
Passport and Immigration Records
- Valid passport for at least six months beyond intended stay
- Copies of previous U.S. visas or I-94 records
- Dependent documents (if applicable)
Goal: Ensure personal documentation is accurate and up to date.
Legal Review & Petition Drafting
- Form I-129 (and L supplement) completed accurately
- Attorney’s cover letter explaining the case strategy
- Checklists reviewed and cross-verified
Goal: Ensure consistency and compliance before submission.
How Global Immigration Partners Can Help
Our L-1 visa attorneys guide clients through every step — from verifying the qualifying relationship and drafting business plans to handling USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and renewals.
We’re a business-immigration-focused firm with global reach, offering tailored, efficient, and successful representation.
Get started today with a free consultation
