L1 Visa: Process and Types | Global Immigration Partners

October 23, 2023

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign companies to transfer their employees to their US-based offices. This visa is specifically designed for multinational companies that have offices in both the US and other countries. In this article, we will discuss the eligibility requirements and benefits of the L1 visa, as well as the application process and the differences between the two types of L1 visas.

What is an L1 Visa?

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that falls under the category of intra-company transferee visas. It allows multinational companies to transfer their employees from their foreign offices to their US-based offices. This visa is divided into two categories: L1A and L1B.

L1A Visa

The L1A visa is for executives and managers who are being transferred to the US to work in a managerial or executive position. This visa is valid for up to 7 years and can be extended for a maximum of 2 years at a time. The L1A visa holders can also apply for a green card after one year of working in the US.

The L1A visa is particularly beneficial for multinational companies that want to establish a new office in the US. It allows them to send a manager or executive to the US to set up the new office. This includes finding a suitable location, hiring staff, and setting up operations.

L1B Visa

The L1B visa is for specialized knowledge employees who are being transferred to the US to work in a specialized knowledge position. This visa is valid for up to 5 years and can also be extended for a maximum of 2 years at a time. Unlike the L1A visa, L1B visa holders are not eligible to apply for a green card.

The L1B visa is designed for employees who have specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, research, systems, or procedures. This specialized knowledge must be beyond the ordinary and not commonly found in the industry.

Eligibility for L1 Visa

To be eligible for an L1 visa, both the employer and the employee must meet certain requirements.

Employer Requirements

The employer must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company, such as a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate.
The employer must be doing business in the US and at least one other country during the entire period of the employee’s stay in the US.
The employer must have a physical office in the US, which can be a shared office space or a virtual office.
The employer must have the financial ability to pay the employee’s salary in the US.

In addition to these requirements, the employer must also demonstrate that the transfer of the employee to the US is necessary for the continued operation of the business. This could be because the employee has unique skills or knowledge that cannot be found in the US, or because the employee is needed to train US-based employees.

Employee Requirements

The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
The employee must have worked in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position in the foreign company.
The employee must be coming to the US to work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position for the same employer or a related company.

In addition to these requirements, the employee must also demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications for the position in the US. This could include relevant education, experience, or skills. The employee must also be able to communicate effectively in English, as they will be working in a US-based office.

Benefits of L1 Visa

The L1 visa offers several benefits to both the employer and the employee.

For Employers

The L1 visa allows employers to transfer their employees to the US quickly and easily without having to go through the lengthy H-1B visa process.
Employers can transfer their employees to the US for up to 7 years, which is longer than the 6-year limit for H-1B visa holders.
Employers can transfer their employees to the US without having to prove that there are no qualified US workers available for the position.
Employers can use the L1 visa as a pathway to permanent residency for their employees.

In addition to these benefits, the L1 visa also allows employers to maintain continuity in their operations. By transferring employees from their foreign offices to their US offices, they can ensure that their business practices and culture are maintained across all locations.

For Employees

The L1 visa allows employees to work in the US for up to 7 years, which is longer than the 3-year limit for H-1B visa holders.
Employees can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the US on an L2 visa.
L2 visa holders can apply for work authorization in the US, allowing them to work for any employer.
L1 visa holders can apply for a green card after one year of working in the US.

In addition to these benefits, the L1 visa also offers employees the opportunity to gain international work experience. This can be a valuable asset in today’s globalized economy, and can open up new career opportunities for the employee.

How to Apply for an L1 Visa

To apply for an L1 visa, the employer must file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must include the following documents:

Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
A letter from the employer explaining the purpose of the transfer, the employee’s qualifications, and the job duties in the US
Proof of the qualifying relationship between the US and foreign company
Proof that the employee has worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years
Proof that the employee will be working in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position in the US
Proof that the employee meets the qualifications for the position, such as education, experience, and skills
Proof that the employee will be paid the prevailing wage in the US
Any other supporting documents, such as business plans, financial statements, and organizational charts

Once the petition is approved, the employee can apply for an L1 visa at the US embassy or consulate in their home country. The employee must submit the following documents:

Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application
A valid passport
A passport-sized photograph
The approved Form I-129
A copy of the petition and supporting documents
Proof of payment of the visa application fee
Any other documents required by the embassy or consulate

In addition to these documents, the employee may also need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. The purpose of the interview is to verify the information provided in the application and to assess the employee’s eligibility for the visa.

Conclusion

The L1 visa is a valuable option for multinational companies looking to transfer their employees to the US. It offers several benefits to both the employer and the employee, making it a popular choice for intra-company transfers. However, it is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements and gather all the necessary documents before applying for an L1 visa. With proper preparation and documentation, the L1 visa can be a smooth and efficient way to bring employees to the US for work.

In conclusion, the L1 visa is a powerful tool for multinational companies that want to leverage their global workforce. By understanding the requirements and benefits of the L1 visa, companies can make informed decisions about their international staffing strategies.