L1 Visa: Intracompany Transferee

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. Classifications include:

L1A: Managers and executives
L1B: Specialized knowledge workers

Key Benefits 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: Initial stay of 3 years, extendable to 7 years.
L1B: Initial stay of 3 years, extendable to 5 years.

Dual Intent

Allows temporary residence in the U.S. while considering future U.S. immigration (green card application).

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

There is no quota on the number of L1 visas issued each year.

Requirements for an L1 Visa

To qualify for an L1 visa, you must meet these four key requirements:

1. 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.
Affiliate: Common ownership/control by parent company/person.

2. 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 exist for affiliated companies.

3. Foreign Employment Capacity

The employee must hold a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.

Managerial: Management of an organization/department & supervision.
Executive: Directing management, goal-setting, discretionary decision-making.
Specialized Knowledge: Advanced company product/process knowledge or uncommon industry expertise.

4. 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.

Why Atif Law Firm?

At Atif Law Firm, we strive to make your immigration journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Expertise in Immigration Law

Skilled in visas, green cards & deportation defense.

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L1 Visa