L1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

The L1 Visa enables a US employer to transfer an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee from a qualifying foreign entity to the US entity. You can transfer staff to either the existing US business or to a newly established business. So, if you do not yet have a business operating in the United States you are permitted to set one up and move staff under the “new-office L1 Visa route”. The size and sector of your existing foreign business does not matter, provided we can establish a qualifying relationship with your new US business. There are two types of L1 Visa: The L1-A Visa is for executives and managers and the L-1B Visa is for employees with specialized knowledge.

Yes, the spouse of an L1 Visa holder can work in the United States by obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD allows the spouse to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions.

- Check your eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the L1 Visa category. You must have worked for a qualifying multinational company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
- Obtain a job offer: You must have a job offer from a U.S.-based employer with a qualifying relationship with your current employer.
- File a petition: Your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS on your behalf. This includes providing evidence of the qualifying relationship between the two companies, as well as your qualifications and job duties.
- Attend an interview: You will need to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. You will need to bring all relevant documentation, such as your passport, Visa application, and supporting evidence.
- Wait for a decision: After the interview, you will need to wait for a decision on your L1 Visa application. If approved, you will receive your Visa and be able to travel to the United States.
- The US company with a qualifying relationship with your foreign company must file a petition for your transfer to the US.

If you are currently in the US on a different Visa status, you may need to file a change of status application along with your L1 Visa petition. This process involves submitting a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your petition is approved, you will be granted L1 Visastatus and can work for the qualifying US employer.

You can apply to change status in the US, but you would have to apply for the visa at the Embassy or Consulate.

No. The L1 Visa is a nonimmigrant Visa.

Yes, it is possible for individuals on an L1 Visa to apply for a green card, which would give them permanent residency status in the United States. However, the process of obtaining a green card can be complex and time-consuming.

One common way for L1 Visa holders to apply for a green card is through their employer. The employer can sponsor the employee for a green card by filing a petition on their behalf, typically through either the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based immigration categories. The employee would then have to go through a rigorous application process, including demonstrating that they meet the requirements for the specific green card category they are applying under.

Another option for L1 Visa holders seeking a green card is to apply through a family-based immigration category. For example, if the L1 Visa holder is married to a U.S. citizen, their spouse could sponsor them for a green card through the marriage-based immigration category.

It is recommended that individuals seeking a green card consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on the best strategy for their specific situation.

If you have been issued an L1A visa for executives and managers, you may be eligible for the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives.

The L1 Visa category has two sub-categories. L1A for managers and executives and L1B for specialized knowledge employees.

No. Birth certificate is not required.

Marriage certificate is required for the spouse to apply as dependent.

To apply for L2 visa for the spouse, a marriage certificate must be provided to prove eligibility.

The L1 Visa holder and the L2 Visa holder do not have to travel together. The L2 Visa holder can still travel to the US without the principal L1 Visa holder.

Qualifying to transition from L1 Visa to green card based on a EB1C petition for multinational managers and executives depend on whether the US company can clearly elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position.

The US company must be operating for at least one full year to file an EB1C/green card petition, but more importantly, the US company must be able to elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position by creating a robust organizational structure.

First step is to get the petition approved by USCIS. With premium processing, the petition can be approved in 15 days. After getting the approval, the next step is to apply for the Visa at the Embassy. Availability of appointments varies per Embassy or Consulate. Upon approval of the Visa application, it could take 5 to 7 days to get the Visa.

The L1 Visa allows an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee of a foreign company to transfer to a related U.S. company based on ownership and control.

Yes. The L spouse is employment authorized.

The L1 Visa allows an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee of a foreign company to transfer to a related U.S. company based on ownership and control.

Yes. The L spouse is employment authorized.

The L1 Visa allows an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee of a foreign company to transfer to a related U.S. company based on ownership and control.

The US company must be operating for at least one full year to file an EB1C/green card petition, but more importantly, the US company must be able to elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position by creating a robust organizational structure.

First step is to get the petition approved by USCIS. With premium processing, the petition can be approved in 15 days. After getting the approval, the next step is to apply for the Visa at the Embassy. Availability of appointments varies per Embassy or Consulate. Upon approval of the Visa application, it could take 5 to 7 days to get the Visa.

The L1 Visa allows an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee of a foreign company to transfer to a related U.S. company based on ownership and control.

To qualify for the L1 Visa, the foreign national must meet the following requirements:

1. Have been employed for at least one year in the past three years by the foreign company sending them to the U.S.
2. Have been employed in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
3. Have an offer of employment from a U.S. company that is related to the foreign company in some way (such as being a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate).
4. Intend to work for the U.S. company in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
5. Have the necessary qualifications and experience to fulfill the duties of the position.
6. Have sufficient financial resources to support themselves while in the United States.

L1 Visa is a non-immigrant Visa that is available to individuals who have specialised knowledge or skills that are in demand in the U.S. It is a popular Visa for companies looking to transfer personnel from abroad to work in their U.S. offices.

The L1 Visa is a type of nonimmigrant work Visa.

No, you cannot legally purchase a gun on an L1 Visa . To be able to purchase a gun in the United States, you must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident with a green card.

No. An L2 Visa holder is dependant on an L1 Visa holder, and without an L1 Visa holder to provide support, an L2 Visa holder cannot stay in the US.

Yes, you can extend your L1 Visa in the United States. To do so, you will need to file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You will also need to provide supporting documents, such as evidence of your employer's ability to pay your salary, evidence of your qualifications for the position, and proof of your current L-1 Visa status.

Yes, L1 Visa holders are allowed to work in the United States. They must have a valid work permit from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in order to work in the US.

No, you cannot change a Visa status from H1B to L2. In order to change your Visa status, you must leave the US and apply for a new Visa at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad.

1. Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website (https://www.uscis.gov/).
2. Click on “Check Your Case Status”.
3. Enter your receipt number, which is located on your receipt notice.
4. Click “Check Status”
5. You will receive the current status of your L1 Visa extension application.

The processing time for an L1 Visa depends on the individual circumstances of the case and can vary considerably. In general, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks for an L1 Visa to be processed.

The processing time for a L1 Visa depends on the specific circumstances of each individual case. Generally, the processing time ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the Visa service center. It is recommended to apply at least three months before the planned travel date to ensure that the Visa is processed in time.

A blanket L1 Visa is a special immigration benefit that allows foreign workers to transfer from an international office to a U.S. office of the same employer. This type of Visa allows for a smoother transition for the foreign worker, as the Visa does not have to be renewed every year. The blanket L1 Visa also allows for the foreign worker to stay in the U.S. for up to seven years.

The documents required for an L1 Visa application vary depending on the individual's circumstances. Generally speaking, applicants must provide the following documents:

1. Passport valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the Visa
2. Proof of legal status in the foreign country (if applicable)
3. Proof of employment in the foreign country
4. Original letter from the foreign employer stating the purpose of the L1 Visa
5. Original evidence of the applicant's qualifications and experience
6. Evidence of financial support in the U.S.
7. Evidence of family ties in the U.S.
8. Valid U.S. Visa (if applicable)
9. Fingerprint and photograph (taken at the consulate or embassy)
10. Immigration form (Form I-129) completed by the employer
11. Nonimmigrant Petition Based on L1 Visa Status form (Form I-129 L Supplement)
12. Evidence of payment of the application fee

No, you cannot work on L1 Visa requirements and get an H1B Visa. The L1 Visa is for intracompany transfers, and the H1B Visa is for individuals coming to the US to work in specialty occupations. To qualify for an H1B Visa, you must meet certain criteria and requirements as outlined by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

There are no reciprocity fees for an L1 visa. The applicant does not need to pay any cash for the visa.

The application fee for an L1 Visa renewal is $460. Additionally, there may be other associated costs such as the biometric fee and any additional service fees.

No, there is no required salary for an L1 Visa . The L1 Visa is a nonimmigrant Visa that allows companies to transfer employees from one foreign office to a U.S. office. The employer must pay the employee a wage that is commensurate with the local prevailing wage for the job the employee will perform.

The L1B Visa is for foreign workers who possess specialized knowledge related to the company's products, services, research, systems, procedures, or management. The L1B Visa is sometimes referred to as the “specialized knowledge” Visa.

No, you cannot register a new company while on an L1-B Visa. The L1 Visa is a nonimmigrant Visa that allows foreign nationals to work in the U.S. on a temporary basis in a managerial or executive capacity. This Visa does not allow the individual to own or operate a business in the U.S.

No, an L1-B Visa is not suitable for a recreational visit to the US. The L1 Visa is for intracompany transferees and does not provide for leisure travel. You would need to apply for a B-2 Visa for visiting the US for leisure purposes.

L1 Visa and L2 Visas are nonimmigrant Visas issued by the United States government. The L1 Visa is a Visa for intracompany transferees, allowing foreign workers who are employed by an international company to work in the United States. The L2 Visa is a Visa for spouses and dependent children of intracompany transferees.

1. Prepare the necessary documents
2. Pay the Visa application fee. All applicants must pay a non-refundable application fee before an appointment is scheduled.
3. Schedule an appointment. Once the documents and fees have been prepared, applicants must schedule an appointment with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. Attend the Visa interview. At the Visa interview, applicants will be asked questions about their background, the purpose of

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the type of Visa you are applying for and the country in which you are applying. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the Visa to be issued after approval of the L1 Visa petition.

If you are a manager or executive in the United States on an L1A category Visa, you may apply for permanent residency (Green Card) through the EB1C Visa. A key requirement of EB1C Visa is that the manager or executive must have worked outside the US for at least one of the preceding three years before you entered the United States on an L1A. The L1 Visa is a “dual intent Visa”, which means that you are permitted to search for alternative Visas and permanent residency and do not need to prove an intention to return home. One of the main benefits of EB1C Visa is that you are not required to obtain labor certification.

L1B Visas for employees with specialized knowledge are valid for a maximum of five years after this time you must leave the country or switch to another Visa. For L1A holders this usually means the EB1C Visa route for managers and executives. This is unlikely to be an option for L1B holders. The L1B holder may be able to build a case for an EB2 Visa (advanced degree) or an EB3 Visa (highly skilled worker). Both EB2 Visa and EB3 Visa are immigrant Visas, which means they offer permanent residency (Green Cards).

Most Visas require an applicant to show proof that they intend to return home after their Visa expires. The L1 Visa is a dual intent Visa, which does not require applicants to show proof that they intend to return home. This leaves open the possibility of switching to another Visa or applying for permanent residency. This means the L1A category Visa can be packaged together with an EB1C Visa. The EB1C offers permanent residency (Green Card) in the US, while the L1A is a temporary nonimmigrant Visa lasting a maximum of seven years. Note: EB1C Visa rules mean that applicants must apply within their first two years of being in the US on the L1A.

A successful L1 applicant applying for a Visa under L1 Visa can take their spouse to the United States, as well as any dependent children under the age of 21. Spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization to work in the United States. They are not restricted to working in the same L1 business as their spouse.

The L1 USA Visa also enables a foreign company that does not yet have a qualifying U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the United States with the purpose of establishing one. The foreign company must have been in operation for at least a year. The new US office and the foreign company must have a qualifying relationship (parent-subisidiary, affiliate, branch or joint venture partner) but do not necessarily need to operate in the same market or industry. New-office L1s are initially granted for up to one year and extendible in increments of two years.

The L1 Visa does not require an investment as part of the application. However, there must be an operating U.S. entity for the applicant to transfer to. For people seeking a New Office L1, the U.S. entity must be set up in advance and there may be investment associated with this. It is important to demonstrate that the US company is sufficiently capitalized to support its operations and elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position. Our team of corporate lawyers work closely with our immigration attorneys to ensure a smooth process.

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The L1 visa allows an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee of a foreign company to transfer to a related U.S. company based on ownership and control.

the L1 visa is a type of nonimmigrant work visa.

L1 and L2 visas are nonimmigrant visas issued by the United States government. The L1 visa is a visa for intracompany transferees, allowing foreign workers who are employed by an international company to work in the United States. The L2 visa is a visa for spouses and dependent children of intracompany transferees.