Overview of US L1 Visa
A US L1 visa is for transferees from within a company, either executives or managers with specialized knowledge. Using this visa, multinational companies can transfer qualified employees to newly established or existing subsidiaries, affiliate parent companies, or branch offices in the United States.
Imporatnce of USA L1 Business Visa For Business Owners and Employees
- Ability to live and work in the United States
- Stay for a longer period of time
- Visa with dual intent
- There is no set wage requirement
- Getting your family the benefits of immigration
- Family immigration benefits
- For L1 visas, premium processing is offered.
- No annual limit on the number of L1 visas issued
Categories under US L1 Visas (L-1A & L-1B Visa)
L-1A visa Applicable for managers and executives
For a maximum of seven years, an L-1A visa can be obtained. After the visa has expired, the worker can only qualify for L-1 status by working for the US corporation’s parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
L-1B visa applicable for workers with specialised knowledge
Visas can be obtained for a maximum of five years. In order to apply again after it expires, the applicant must work abroad for a U.S. company’s subsidiary, branch, affiliate or parent for a minimum of one year.
Eligibility Requirements for L-1A Visa
- Employee must have worked for an overseas company for a minimum of one continuous year within three years prior to coming to the United States
- Employee must be going to the States to provide managerial or executive services for qualifying organizations such as a branch office.
Eligibility Requirements L-1B Visa
- Within three years prior to admission to the United States, the employee must have worked overseas for a company for at least one continuous year
- The employee will provide his specialized services to the qualifying organization
- After completing the work on a visa, the holder must intend to leave the country
- The holder of this visa must intend to leave the country at the end of his or her stay
Key Aspects For USA L1 Business
- (If applicable) There must be enough space for an office location.
- To be eligible for this visa, the company petitioning for the visa must be engaged in business as an employer in the United States and at least one other country during the duration of the visa holder’s stay in the United States
Step by Step Process for USA L1 Business Visa
- Preparation of the business model
- Business Registration & Setup (applicable if the applicant does not already have a business in the US as per the criteria)
- Preparation of the application
- Fill out Form I-129 and L supplement at USCIS
- Change status to apply for a L1 visa at the consulate
- Manage US business and start working there
L-1 Visa to Green Card (Requirement & Path)
- An L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa category with dual intent and does not directly lead to a green card. Either an adjustment of status or an immigrant visa can convert an L-1 visa into a green card.
- EB1C Green card for multinational managers & executives
- Business Registration & Setup (applicable if the applicant does not already have a business in the US as per the criteria)
- Sponsorship of work
- Investment-based immigrant visas and green cards
- Marriage (Sponsorship by Spouse)
Family & Dependent Visa under L-1 Visa Holder
- The spouse and children (under 21/unmarried status) of L-1A visa holders are eligible for L-2 dependent status. The L-2 Visa provides work authorization upon filing and approval.
Overview of L-1 Visa if USA Establishment Exists
- Detailed Business Plan
- Incorporate the company
- Obtain a taxpayer ID
- Number secure a bank account
- Get a transfer offer
- Filing Form I-129
- Employer must pay the fees
- File Form DS-160
- Pay the L1 visa application fee
- Schedule your L1 visa interview
- Submit your L1 visa documents
- Attend your interview
Accounting
Visas are usually granted initially for 3 years, and extensions are granted in 2 year increments up to a maximum of 5 years. Family members of L-1 A and L-1B visa holders, namely spouses and unmarried children under 21, are automatically granted L-2 visas. L-2 spouses can apply for a work permit and work in the US. On L – 2 visas, children cannot apply for work permits, but they can attend school full time
Overview of L-1 Visa if USA Establishment does not Exists (Investment starts from $100,000)
If the US establishment is already in place, then you will need to go through the following steps to apply for the L1 visa.
Get a transfer offer
- Filing Form I-129
- Employer must pay the fees
- File Form DS-160
- Pay the L1 visa application fee
- Schedule your L1 visa interview
- Submit your L1 visa documents
- Attend your interview