English
ItalianL1 Visas for Italian Business Owners and Transferees
L1 Visa BasicsL1 Visa Costs and L1 Visa FeesL1 Visa RenewalL1 Visa Change of EmployerL1 Visa Requirements- Agriculture & Commodities Industry Practice
- Commercial Manufacturing & Production Industry Group
- Energy Practice Group
- Fashion Industry
- Information Technology
- Logistics & Warehousing Practice
- Retail Practice
- Startup & Emerging Business
- Mobile Application & Social Media
- India Practice Group
- Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Consulting & Service Oriented Businesses
- Visa Franchise Practice
- Mining
- Financial
- Medical Professionals
- Moving from Australia to US
- Emigrate to & from Canada
- Moving from Germany to US
- Grenada Citizenship by investment
- Moving from India to US
- Moving from Philippines to US
- Portuguese Residency By Investment
- Moving from Singapore to US
- Moving from Taiwan to US
- Turkish Citizenship
- Moving from United Kingdom to US
- Immigration to the United Kingdom
- Moving from Vietnam to US
Our success
6
RFEs
1759
L Visas
0
Denials
*after appealQualifying for an L-1 Visa
Italian applicants for an L-1 visa must meet these requirements:
- You need to have worked for a foreign company outside the U.S for at least one year in the last three years.
- The overseas enterprise must have a connection with a U.S. enterprise as a Subsidiary/parent, Affiliate, or Branch
- The overseas enterprise can function globally and is not required to be located in Italy.
Affiliated Businesses
For a U.S. business to be "affiliated" with a non-U.S. business for L-1 visa purposes, both businesses must be owned or controlled by the same entity or person.
A common mistake is to assume that the U.S. and non-U.S. businesses have to form part of the same “group” or that one business has to own/control the other. This is not true under U.S. law.
Requirements for Italian L-1 Business Owners
Italian business owners typically apply for an L1-A visa as a “manager” or “executive”.
For a successful L1-A application, business owners must effectively showcase their employment in a managerial or executive capacity in the non-U.S. business.
It's crucial to note that USCIS in the United States and U.S. consulates in various cities may have distinct evidentiary requirements.
Davies & Associates is equipped to offer tailored guidance based on the unique circumstances of your case.
Managers and Executives
Managers and executives of non-U.S. businesses transferring to related companies in the United States may be eligible to apply for an L1-A visa.
While a non-manager can typically be promoted into a management role in the U.S. this is not possible with a “new business” (see below).
What is the First Step with an L-1 Visa?
The initial step involves filing a comprehensive application. Attention to detail, especially in areas like business plans, is crucial. The application can be filed in the United States, marked for either "consular processing" or "change of status."
L1 Visa Process simplified in a diagram - Davies & Associates LLC.
Can an L-1 Business Owner form a New Business in the United States and Apply for an L-1 Visa?
Yes, this is a common case. Many clients establish new businesses in a foreign country to qualify for an L-1 visa.
L1 Visas for Italian Non-Management Employees
Non-management employees may be eligible for an L1-B visa, requiring clear documentation of highly specialized skills. A knowledgeable immigration lawyer's assistance is crucial for a successful application.
Special Considerations for New U.S. Businesses
If your U.S. business is less than twelve months old, it is categorized as a "new office." Special provisions apply, and the initial L-1 visa term will be one year, extendable after the first year.
Tax Planning for Italian L1 Applicants
Tax planning is essential, and Davies & Associates provides access to dedicated tax lawyers for clients' tax planning needs.
The Need for Dual Presence in the U.S. and Rome
All L-1 visa applications begin as an L-1 Petition filed with USCIS. After approval, applicants can either change status to L-1 within the U.S. or apply for an L-1 visa from a U.S. consulate abroad.
Obtaining Permanent Residency, a “Green Card” as an L-1 Visa Holder
There are various ways for L-1 visa holders to obtain a "green card," including the EB1(c) mechanism, EB5 visa, Exceptional Worker (EB1), and other work-based or family visa options.
Obtaining a U.S. Passport
If you have progressed from an L-1 visa to a “green card” and held that “green card” for five years (in limited cases three years), and you meet the following requirements we may be able to assist you apply for U.S. citizenship:
- You must have held your “green card” for the entire five year period;
- You must have maintained your status as a U.S. resident for this five year period;
- Ideally you will not have been outside the United States for a period of more than six months in the five year period, though limited exceptions apply;
- You have not committed a crime or other act, such as a failure to file a tax return, that USCIS interprets as resulting from a lack of good moral character on your part; and
- You have been physically present in the United States for two and one half years of the total five-year period.
Useful questions & answers regarding visa for Italian citizens and entrepreneurs:
The wonderful U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows certain Italian business, leisure, and in-transit visitors into the United States with the option to forego a visa.
L-1 Visa Solutions by Country of Nationality or Residency
Select your country for more information
What is Davies & Associate’s Record with L-1 Visa Applications?
Davies & Associates files a large number of L-1 visas each year and as of November 2014 have yet to have an application denied.
Contact Davies & Associates Offices in Italy
Check all of our locations around the world.
Company location
Italy Office
Via Bonifacio Lupi 29, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
Map and Driving Directions
Rome Office
Piazza Gentile Da Fabriano 3, Rome, Italy 00196
Map and Driving Directions
Rome Office 2
Via Aurelia 786, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Map and Driving Directions
Milan Office
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, n. 15, Milan, Italy 20122
Map and Driving Directions
Parma Office
Piazza Gen. C.A. Dalla Chiesa n. 3, 43121 Parma, Italy
Map and Driving Directions
Looking to acquire an L1 Visa for Italian Nationals?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for businesses, investors, individuals, and families.
L1 Visa for Italian Nationals Immigration lawyer near meLooking to relocate or having trouble with a visa application?
We are known for our creative solutions that obtain "impossible" visas. We solve the most complex immigration problems for business, investors, individuals and families.
Request Free Consultation
New York Office World Trade Center:
1 World Trade Center, Suite 8500, New York, NY 10007
+1 212 537 9196
Map and Driving Directions
New York Office E69th Street:
200 E 69th Street, 2N, New York, NY 10022
+1 212 537 9196
Map and Driving Directions
California Office:
555 Anton Blvd, Suite 150, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
+1 949 620 1811
Map and Driving Directions
Philadelphia Office:
1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 450, PMB 41, Philadelphia, PA 19102
+1 215 525 1881
Map and Driving Directions
London Office:
69 Old Broad Street, Dashwood House, London EC2M 1QS, United Kingdom
+44 20 3884 18126
Map and Driving Directions
Edinburgh Office:
28 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 2BW
+44 131 392 0686
Map and Driving Directions
Milton Keynes Office:
The Pinnacle, 170 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes MK9 1FE, United Kingdom
+44 7740 000769
Map and Driving Directions
Glasgow Office:
+44 131 392 0686
Map and Driving Directions
Vietnam Office:
46th Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
+84 28 6287 5912
Map and Driving Directions
India Office:
Enam Sambhav C-20, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai 400051, Maharashtra
+91 720 856 4057
Map and Driving Directions
Italy Office:
Via Bonifacio Lupi 29, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy
+39 055 076 3054
Map and Driving Directions
Manila Office:
Unit 107, AIC Burgundy Empire Tower, ADB Ave. cor Garnet and Sapphire Streets, Ortigas Center, Pasig City 1605, Metro Manila, Philippines
+63 2 7215 7878
Map and Driving Directions
Sydney Office:
Level 12, 210 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
Map and Driving Directions
Perth Office:
Davies & Associates LLC, Level 1, 12 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia
+61 2 9156 1032
Map and Driving Directions
Singapore Office:
160 Robinson Road, #14-04, Singapore Business Federation Centre, Singapore 068914
65 8012 9546
Map and Driving Directions
Looking for an Immigration attorney?
Immigration lawyer near meList of US Embassies, Consulates and USCIS
List of Italian Embassies, Consulates and USCIS
Copyright ©2026 by Davies & Associates LLC.