What is the L-1 intracompany transfer visa?

The L-1 lets a multinational company transfer certain employees from a foreign office to a related U.S. office, such as a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. The L-1A is for managers and executives, while the L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. The employee generally must have worked for the related foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the past three years.

What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?

The L-1A is for executives and managers who direct the organization or a major function, and it can be granted for up to a total of seven years. The L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or processes, with a maximum of five years. The category affects both your duration and your potential green card path.

Can I open a new U.S. office on an L-1 visa?

Yes, the L-1 includes a new office option that lets a qualifying company send a manager, executive, or specialized-knowledge employee to establish a U.S. operation. New office petitions are usually approved for an initial one-year period, after which you must show the office is operating and meeting expectations to extend. Solid business planning and documentation are important for these cases.

How can an L-1A lead to a green card through EB-1C?

The EB-1C is an employment-based green card category for multinational managers and executives, and it closely parallels the L-1A requirements, which makes the L-1A a common stepping stone. The U.S. company generally must have been doing business for at least one year and file Form I-140 on the employee's behalf. EB-1C does not require labor certification.

Can my family join me on an L-1 visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may obtain L-2 dependent status. L-2 spouses are generally authorized to work in the United States incident to their status, and children may attend school.

L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa Guide

L-1A and L-1B visa guide — qualifying corporate relationships, blanket L petitions, specialized knowledge, and the path to EB-1C green card.

Fitenko Law PLLC, 600 Three Islands Blvd, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009. Phone: (305) 315-3425. Email: fitenkolaw@gmail.com

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