Intra Company Transferees Visa (L-1)
The L-1 Visa is one of the most common non-immigrant work-related
visas. The L-1 Visa is available for foreign national executives, managers
and other persons with specialized knowledge who have been working for a non-U.S. company and
that may be transferred to a U.S. company. The U.S. company must be a subsidiary, branch, affiliate
or joint venture partners of the non-U.S. company but do not have to engage in the same line of
business than the foreign company. The L-1 Visa is typically approved for an
initial period of three years with the possibility of two-year extensions later on.
The L-1 Visa has two different subcategories: L-1A and
L-1B. The L-1A visa is available for managers and executives and the
L-1B for staff with specialized knowledge about the company’s products and services,
systems, proprietary techniques, management, research, or procedures
L-1 Visa – Requirements
- Available for managers, executives or persons with specialized knowledge
- The applicant must have been employed abroad continuously by the foreign operation
for the immediate prior year
- The employment position for the applicant should require the special knowledge and skills the
applicant has.
- If a change in the purpose of your visit is needed, a change in the visa status
is mandatory.
- The foreign company must remain in operation while the L-1 Visa is in
effect
- The L-1 Visa holder must work for the company who petition for the
L-1 Visa and may not change employer without losing status
- The L1 Visa petition must be filed by the employer.
- The U.S. and the organization abroad are both actively engaged in doing business
- The U.S. operation will support the executive or managerial position within one year
L-1 Visa holder’s privileges
- May legally work in the US
- May bring his/her spouse and dependents less than twenty-one years of age to the US on
L-2 visa
- Spouses with the L-2 visa can study and work in the U.S. by obtaining
proper authorization
- Children with the L-2 can attend US schools, colleges and universities
- May travel in and out of the U.S.
- May apply for permanent residence without losing L-1 status
- The L-1 Visa holders are exempt from Labor Certification
- Managers and executive can be on an L-1A Visa for up to 7 years
- Staff with specialized knowledge can be on an L-1B Visa for up to 5 years
