L-1 Visa

Need to Transfer an Employee or an Office to the U.S.? Understanding the L-1 Visa

Transferring employees between offices can be crucial for businesses aiming to leverage the unique skills and expertise of their top talent. Whether it’s an executive or manager whose leadership can elevate an office to its full potential or a specialized knowledge worker essential for a specific role, the L-1 visa classification is designed to facilitate these important transfers.

What is the L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa is specifically for employees of international companies being transferred to a U.S. office. This visa category is ideal for businesses needing to move key personnel between a foreign office and a U.S. office of the same organization, or between qualifying organizations with a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship.

Two Categories of L-1 Visas:

  1. L-1A Visa: For executives and managers.
  2. L-1B Visa: For employees with specialized knowledge.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Qualifying Relationship: The U.S. and foreign employers must have a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship.
  • Active Business Operations: The employer must be conducting business in the U.S. and at least one other country during the entire period of the employee’s stay.
  • Employment History: The employee must have worked for the qualifying organization abroad for at least one year within the three years preceding their admission to the U.S.
  • Job Role: L-1A applicants must serve in an executive or managerial role, while L-1B applicants must fill roles requiring specialized knowledge.

Establishing a New Office:

Both L-1A and L-1B visa categories allow employees to come to the U.S. to establish a new office. These employees are not only capable of performing their specific roles but also possess the skills to oversee the setup and operation of the new office, ensuring it meets the necessary qualifications and maintains a qualifying relationship with the foreign employer.

Why Choose Our Law Firm?

Our full-service immigration law firm specializes in L-1 visa applications. We have a proven track record of assisting businesses in efficiently and successfully transferring their key personnel to the U.S. Our experienced immigration attorneys are adept at navigating the complexities of the L-1 visa process, ensuring that your petition is thorough and compelling.

Our Services Include:

  • Expert Guidance: We help you understand all the requirements and prepare the necessary documentation.
  • Petition Drafting: Our attorneys work with you to draft a petition that effectively showcases your qualifications and meets USCIS standards.
  • Compliance Assurance: We ensure that your business operations and employee roles comply with U.S. immigration laws throughout the visa period.

Contact Us Today

Transferring an employee or establishing a new office in the U.S. involves many complexities, but you don’t have to navigate this process alone. Our experienced Los Angeles immigration attorneys are here to provide you with the best legal support and increase your chances of a successful visa application.

Reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you secure the future of your business by making the L-1 visa process as smooth and efficient as possible. Contact us now and give your company the advantage it needs to thrive in the U.S. market.