L1 Visa

The L-1 Visa, for Intra Company Transferees, is a non-immigrant work-related visa. The L1 visa is available for foreign national managers, executives, and other employees whom, having specialized knowledge, have been working for a non-U.S. company and 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.

There are two different types of L-1 Visas. The L-1A visa 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 employees with specialized knowledge
The applicant must have been employed abroad continuously by the foreign operation for the immediate prior year
The applicant must have the special knowledge and skills required for the employment position available for him/her.
If the purpose of the visit changes 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. The L1 Visa holder may not change employer without losing status
The aaplicat cannot file 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

Privileges for the L-1 Visa holder

The L-1 Visa holder 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. after obtaining proper authorization
Children with the L-2 can attend US schools, colleges and universities
May travel in and out of the U.S.
L-1 Visa holders may apply for permanent residence without losing L-1 status
Exempted from Labor Certification
Managers and executives 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

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