L-1 Visa for Intercompany Transfers
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Welcome to ImmigraTrust Law, where we specialize in guiding professionals through the L-1 visa process for intercompany transfers. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you and your multinational company navigate the complexities of transferring employees to the United States.
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Our L-1 Visa Services
1. Eligibility Assessment

• Initial Consultation: Determine your eligibility for an L-1 visa based on your employment with a multinational company and your specialized knowledge or executive/managerial position.
• Documentation Review: Ensure all necessary documents, such as proof of employment, organizational charts, and detailed job descriptions, are complete and accurate.

2. Petition Preparation

• Form I-129 Filing: Assistance with completing and submitting Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, including the L Supplement, which is essential for the L-1 visa application.
• Supporting Documents: Guidance on gathering and preparing supporting documents, such as company financial statements, evidence of corporate relationship, and proof of the applicant's specialized knowledge or executive role.

3. Application Process

• Consular Processing: Assistance with the application process at the U.S. embassy or consulate, including scheduling and preparing for the visa interview.
• Compliance and Documentation: Help in ensuring all documents meet the requirements and maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

4. Post-Approval Support

• Visa Renewal and Extension: Help with renewing and extending your L-1 visa to ensure continued legal status in the U.S.
• Family Inclusion: Assistance with securing L-2 visas for your spouse and unmarried children under 21, allowing them to accompany you to the U.S.

Key Requirements and Process

1. Employment with Multinational Company: Must have been employed with the multinational company for at least one year within the past three years in a qualifying position​​​​.
2. Specialized Knowledge or Executive Role: The position in the U.S. must be in a specialized knowledge or executive/managerial capacity​​​​.
3. Corporate Relationship: The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary)​​​​.
4. Visa Interview: Attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate with all necessary documentation​​​​.

Benefits of the L-1 Visa

• Work Authorization: Allows the visa holder to work in the U.S. for the sponsoring employer.
• Renewable: Initially granted for one to three years, with the possibility of extensions up to seven years for managers/executives and five years for specialized knowledge workers​​​​.
• Family Inclusion: Spouses can work in the U.S. with an L-2 visa, and children can attend school​​​​.

​Comprehensive FAQ for L-1 Visa - Intercompany Transfers
Q1: What is an L-1 Visa?

• The L-1 Visa facilitates the transfer of key employees from a multinational company's foreign offices to its U.S. office. It is divided into L-1A for executives and managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.

Q2: Who is eligible for an L-1 Visa?

• Employees who have worked for a company overseas for at least one continuous year within the past three years in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.

Q3: What are the main differences between L-1A and L-1B Visas?

• L-1A Visas are for executives and managers, offering up to seven years of stay, while L-1B Visas are for specialized knowledge staff, with a maximum stay of five years.

Q4: Can L-1 Visa holders apply for a Green Card?

• Yes, L-1A Visa holders can transition to a Green Card under the EB-1 category, which is a faster path compared to other work visas.

Q5: How long can I stay in the U.S. on an L-1 Visa?

• L-1A holders can stay up to seven years; L-1B holders up to five years.

Q6: Can family members accompany L-1 Visa holders to the U.S.?

• Yes, spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for L-2 Visas, which permit spouses to work in the U.S.

Q7: What is required for an L-1 Visa application?

• Proof of employment for at least one year in the past three years with the multinational company outside the U.S., and evidence of the U.S. company’s relationship with the foreign company.

Q8: Is a petition required for an L-1 Visa?

• Yes, the U.S. employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the employee.

Q9: Are there annual limits on the number of L-1 Visas issued?

• No, there are no annual caps for L-1 Visas.

Q10: Can I work for a new employer on an L-1 Visa?

• No, L-1 Visa holders are only authorized to work for the U.S. employer who sponsored their visa.

Q11: How do I renew my L-1 Visa?

• You must file for an extension with USCIS, demonstrating that the conditions of the original visa continue to be met.

Q12: What happens if my L-1 Visa is denied?

• You can address the reasons for denial in a new application or appeal the decision, depending on the circumstances.

Q13: Can L-1 Visa holders travel outside the U.S.?

• Yes, L-1 Visa holders can travel internationally and re-enter the U.S. as long as their visa and status remain valid.

Q14: Is an interview required for L-1 Visa applicants?

• Yes, applicants typically need to attend an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy.

Q15: How soon can I enter the U.S. after obtaining an L-1 Visa?

• You can enter the U.S. up to 10 days before your employment start date.

Q16: Can I study on an L-1 Visa?

• Yes, L-1 Visa holders can engage in part-time or full-time study.

Q17: What are the key considerations for maintaining L-1 status?

• Maintain employment with the sponsoring employer and comply with all U.S. immigration regulations.

Q18: What documentation is required for L-1 Visa renewals?

• Documentation showing continued employment and the ongoing operations of the U.S. company.

Q19: Can changes in the company affect my L-1 status?

• Significant changes like mergers, acquisitions, or substantial shifts in the company structure may require a new L-1 petition.

Q20: How can an immigration attorney help with my L-1 Visa?

• An attorney can guide the petition process, help address legal complexities, and assist with extensions or transitions to other visa categories.

Why Choose ImmigraTrust Law?

• Experienced Attorneys: Our team has extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and the L-1 visa process.
• Personalized Support: Tailored guidance and solutions to meet your unique needs.
• Multilingual Services: Fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, ready to assist clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Proven Success: High success rate and numerous satisfied clients.

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Contact us today or schedule an introductory call or a legal consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.