L1 Visa Guide: Key Things You Need to Know About the L1 Visa
Overview of the L1 Visa
The L1 visa offers a strategic immigration solution for individuals seeking to live and work in the United States, enabling foreign companies to transfer key employees to U.S.-based branches, parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates.
L1 Visa Overview
The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa allowing foreign companies to transfer managers, executives, or specialized knowledge employees to affiliated U.S. companies, including:
L1 Visa Classifications
- L1A: Managers and executives
- L1B: Specialized knowledge workers
Eligibility Requirements
Benefits of the L1 Visa
Key Points
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Requirements for an L1 Visa
To qualify for an L1 visa, you must meet these four key requirements:
Qualifying Relationship
A parent/subsidiary, branch office, or affiliate relationship between the foreign and U.S. companies.
- Parent/Subsidiary: Ownership or control of 50% or more.
- Branch Office: Same company, different location, registered as a foreign corporation.
- Affiliate: Common ownership/control by parent company/person or multinational accounting firms.
Continuous Employment
One year of full-time employment with the foreign company within the last three years.
- Continuous employment abroad (excluding brief U.S. trips).
- Must be full-time (35+ hours/week).
- Exceptions for affiliated companies.
Foreign Employment Capacity
The employee must hold a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role with the foreign company.
- Managerial: Management of an organization/department and supervision of professionals.
- Executive: Directing management, goal-setting, and discretionary decision-making.
- Specialized Knowledge: Advanced company product/process knowledge or uncommon industry expertise.
U.S. Employment Capacity
The employee must hold a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role with the U.S. company.
- Definitions align with those for foreign employment capacity.
Advantages of the L1 Visa
Live and Work in the U.S
Authorizes living and working in the U.S. for your L1 employer.
Extended Stay
- L1A (managers/executives): Initial stay of 3 years, extendable to 7 years.
- L1B (specialized knowledge): Initial stay of 3 years, extendable to 5 years.
Dual Intent
Allows temporary residence while considering future U.S. immigration.
Family Benefits
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 eligible for L2 status.
- Spouse can obtain employment authorization.
- Children can attend U.S. schools.
Premium Processing
Expedited processing available for an additional $2,500 fee, with a 15-day response time.
No Annual Limit
No quota on the number of L1 visas issued.