What is an L-1 Visa?
The L-1 visa allows for the transfer of certain employees to the US office
of your business. It can be an existing US office or we can set a new US
office up for you.
Click here to find out more about the L-1 Visa.
This page briefly outlines the L-1 visa application process at the US
consulate in Mumbai, India. However, generally, you can apply for the L-1
visa from any country. Our team is happy to consult with you and you may
click here to contact us to arrange a free consultation
to discuss your business’ needs, personal circumstances and plans.
In order to obtain an L-1 visa an applicant must complete the following
steps detailed on this page.
Please note that all Blanket L1 visa petitions filed in India are
adjudicated in Chennai.
| STEPS |
NOTES/REMARKS |
| 1. Obtain an approval of the L-1 petition |
This page addresses the post-L1 petition process of applying for the L1 Visa.
For guidance on processing an L1 visa petition for an Indian business please follow this link.
|
| 2. Complete Form DS-160 |
Follow this link to complete Form DS-160:
Complete DS-160 on USTravelDocs
For any inquiries on completing the DS-160, you may visit this website:
DS-160 Frequently Asked Questions.
|
| 3. Pay the visa application fee |
Although fees are listed in U.S. dollars, payment must be made using local currency ($190).
Follow this link to check the visa fee for L visa:
L Visa Fee Information
Learn about bank and payment options through this link:
Bank & Payment Options
|
| 4. Schedule your personal interview |
You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.
You will need the receipt number from your approved Form I-129 or I-797 to schedule.
Callers in India: +91 120 4844644 or +91 40 46258222.
Callers in the United States: +1 703 520 2239.
Schedule a Visa Appointment Online
Wait times (as of Dec 2022) for Dropbox range from a few weeks to months; interviews can be 8 months to 1 year.
|
| 5. Interview Preparation |
Davies & Associates provides mock interviews and valuable tips via our India-based team. We tailor our services to produce the very best immigration solutions possible.
None of the visa applications we have prepared has ever been denied given our personalized approach.
|
| 6. Attend Interview & Bring Documents |
Required Documentation:
- Current and old passports
- Passport photo
- DS-160 barcode page
- HDFC visa application fee receipts
PLUS:
- Original I-797 notice of approval
- Complete I-129 and I-129L petition (3 copies)
- Evidence of employment with the Indian entity
- Offer Letter from the US petitioning company
|
| 7. Visa Issuance & Passport Return |
The approximate processing time for visa issuance is 7 to 14 working days (as of November, 2022).
Consular officers will inform you if further administrative processing is required.
|
All Blanket L Visas are processed at the U.S. Consulate General in
Chennai.
The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai is the sole acceptance center in
India for all applications for intra-company transfers under the blanket
L category. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi and U.S. Consulates in Mumbai,
Kolkata and Hyderabad no longer accept or process applications for this
visa category. The blanket L category includes specialized knowledge
professionals, executives and managers.
Please note that spouse and children visas (L2) and individual L
visas (L1B and L1A individuals) may be processed at all posts in
India-Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and New Delhi.
Key Summary: Hyderabad Restaurant Owner Expands to the United States Using L-1A and L-1B Visas
Hyderabad restaurant owner expands to the United States using L-1A and L-1B visas to open a Seattle location
Hyderabad Business Expansion to the United States Through the L-1 Visa Program
Our firm represented the owner of three well known Hyderabadi biryani restaurants in the Hyderabad area as the business expanded into the United States.
The client launched a new restaurant location in Seattle, Washington.
To manage the U.S. operation, the owner obtained an L-1A visa for executives and managers, allowing the client to relocate to the United States and direct the American business.
L-1B Visa for a Specialist Chef with Knowledge of Hyderabadi Cuisine
The company also obtained an L-1B visa for a specialist chef whose knowledge of the restaurant’s recipes, preparation methods, and kitchen operations was critical to opening the Seattle location.
This example shows how a successful Hyderabad business expanding to the United States can use both:
- • L-1A visas for owners or executives
- • L-1B visas for specialized knowledge employees
Real Example of an L-1 Visa Case from Hyderabad for U.S. Business Expansion
Hyderabad Restaurant Group Expanding to the United States
Our firm represented the owner of three well known Hyderabadi biryani restaurants based in Hyderabad, India who wanted to expand the company into the United States.
Opening a Seattle Restaurant as Part of U.S. Market Expansion
The client opened a new restaurant location in Seattle, Washington as part of the company’s international growth strategy.
To lead the expansion, oversee the American operation, and manage the new restaurant, the owner obtained an L-1A visa as an executive and manager of the U.S. business.
Hyderabad to United States Business Expansion Through the L-1 Visa Category
This case demonstrates how an established company in Hyderabad can expand internationally through the L-1 visa category for intracompany transferees.
L-1 Visa FAQ for Hyderabad Businesses Expanding to the United States
Can a business owner in Hyderabad get an L1 visa to expand to the United States?
Yes, a business owner in Hyderabad may qualify for an L1A visa to open or manage a related U.S. office if the business and role meet L1 requirements.
Can a chef from Hyderabad qualify for an L1 visa?
Yes, a chef from Hyderabad may qualify for an L1B visa if the chef has specialized knowledge that is essential to the company’s recipes, operations, or services.
What does this Hyderabad L1 visa case study show?
This Hyderabad L1 visa case study shows how a restaurant owner used an L1A visa and a specialist chef used an L1B visa to support U.S. expansion into Seattle.
Do I need an approved L1 petition before attending a visa interview in Hyderabad?
Yes, you generally need an approved L1 petition before attending your L1 visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or consular post serving Hyderabad.
What documents should I bring to an L1 visa interview in Hyderabad?
You should bring your passport, DS160 confirmation, interview appointment confirmation, L1 approval notice, and supporting business and employment documents.
How long must I work for the company before applying for an L1 visa?
To qualify for an L1 visa, you usually must have worked for the qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
Can an L1 visa be used to open a new office in the United States?
Yes, the L1 visa is commonly used by Hyderabad businesses to open a new office in the United States and transfer key personnel.
What is the difference between an L1A visa and an L1B visa?
An L1A visa is for managers and executives, while an L1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge.
How long can I stay in the United States on an L1 visa?
An L1A visa can allow a stay of up to seven years, while an L1B visa can allow a stay of up to five years.
Why do Hyderabad companies use the L1 visa for U.S. expansion?
Hyderabad companies use the L1 visa to transfer owners, executives, managers, and specialized employees to the United States during business expansion.
Our Locations
Office of Consular Section
Consulate General of the
United States of America,
Hyderabad, Paigah Palace
1-8-323,
Chiran Fort Lane
Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003
U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India
(usembassy.gov)
Email addresses:
Nonimmigrant visas
[email protected]
Call Center:
Callers in India: Call +91 120 4844644 or +91 40 46258222.
Callers
in the United States: Call +1 703 520 2239.
Skype: To use Skype to speak to a customer service representative
Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., India Standard Time (IST),
and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., IST, please add a new contact to
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