L1 Visa

What is L1 Visa?

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows companies to transfer their employees from their foreign offices to their offices in the United States. This visa is specifically designed for employees who have worked for the foreign office of the company for at least one continuous year within the last three years, and who will be working in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity in the United States.

The L-1 visa allows the employee to live and work in the United States for a maximum initial period of three years. The visa can be extended for up to a total of seven years for executives and managers, and up to five years for employees with specialized knowledge.

The L-1 visa is a useful option for multinational companies that want to bring employees with specialized knowledge to the United States, or for companies that want to expand their operations in the United States by transferring managers or executives from their foreign offices.

How to apply L1 Visa?

To apply for an L-1 visa, the employer must first file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the employee who will be transferring to the United States. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Determine eligibility: The employer must determine whether the employee meets the eligibility requirements for the L-1 visa, including having worked for the company's foreign office for at least one continuous year within the last three years, and being employed in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
  2. File a petition: The employer must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the USCIS. The petition should include supporting documents, such as the employee's job description, evidence of the foreign office's relationship with the U.S. company, and evidence of the employee's qualifications.
  3. Wait for approval: The USCIS will review the petition and make a decision on whether to approve it. If approved, the employer will receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797) indicating that the petition has been approved.
  4. Apply for the visa: Once the petition is approved, the employee can apply for the L-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The employee will need to provide documentation, such as the approved Form I-129 and other supporting documents, as well as undergo a visa interview.
  5. Enter the United States: If the visa is approved, the employee can enter the United States and begin working for the U.S. company.

It is important to note that the L-1 visa application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it is recommended to seek the assistance of an immigration attorney to ensure that all requirements are met and the process goes smoothly.

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