L1 INTRANCOMPANY TRANSFAREE VISA

The L1 intra-company transferee visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from their foreign offices to their offices in the U.S. It’s designed to facilitate the transfer of key personnel, including executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge, to the U.S. branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company.

There are two types of L1 visas:

1. L1A Visa: This is for managers and executives who are transferred to the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial capacity.
2. L1B Visa: This is for employees with specialized knowledge relating to the company’s interests.

To qualify for an L1 visa, both the U.S. company and the foreign company must have a qualifying relationship, such as being parent companies, subsidiaries, branches, or affiliates of each other. Additionally, the employee being transferred must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding their application for the L1 visa.

The L1 visa allows for initial stay of up to three years, with the possibility of extending it to up to seven years for L1A visa holders and up to five years for L1B visa holders. After the expiration of their authorized stay, L1 visa holders must leave the U.S. or apply for an extension or change of status.

Overall, the L1 visa is a valuable tool for multinational companies to transfer key personnel to their U.S. operations, facilitating the movement of talent within the organization.

The L1 visa offers several advantages for both employers and employees:

1. Facilitates Intra-Company Transfers: The primary advantage of the L1 visa is that it allows multinational companies to transfer key employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices, facilitating the movement of talent within the organization. This is particularly beneficial for companies looking to expand their operations in the United States while retaining valuable personnel.
2. No Labor Certification Required: Unlike some other work visas, such as the H-1B visa, the L1 visa does not require the employer to go through the labor certification process, which can be time-consuming and complex. This streamlines the process for both employers and employees.
3. Flexibility in Employment: L1 visa holders have flexibility in their employment within the sponsoring company. L1A visa holders, in particular, can work in executive or managerial positions, while L1B visa holders can work in positions requiring specialized knowledge. This allows companies to deploy their employees in roles that best suit their skills and experience.
4. Spouse and Dependent Work Authorization: Spouses of L1 visa holders are eligible to apply for work authorization in the United States, allowing them to work for any employer. Additionally, dependent children of L1 visa holders can study in the U.S. without needing a separate student visa.
5. Dual Intent: L1 visa holders are allowed to have “dual intent,” meaning they can pursue permanent residency (a green card) while in the United States on an L1 visa. This provides a pathway for employees to potentially settle in the U.S. permanently if they choose to do so.
6. Fast Processing Times: In some cases, L1 visa petitions can be processed relatively quickly compared to other visa categories, especially if the employer utilizes premium processing services.
7. Extension and Renewal Options: L1 visa holders may be eligible to extend their stay in the United States beyond the initial period, providing continued opportunities for employment and career advancement within the company.

Overall, the L1 visa offers a convenient and efficient way for multinational companies to transfer key personnel to their U.S. operations while providing employees with valuable career opportunities and the potential for long-term residency in the United States.

Law Office of Saba Haq Rashid offers comprehensive range of services including incorporation of the company, locating an office space, lease negotiations and all immigration visa paperwork from start to finish. For more information contact attorney Ssaba Haq Rashid for a free 30 minute consultation.