The L-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to transfer executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers from one of their affiliated foreign offices to one of their offices in the United States. This visa is also known as the Intracompany Transferee Visa.
There are two types of L-1 Visas:
L-1A Visas: For executives and managers
L-1B Visas: For specialized knowledge workers
To qualify for an L-1 Visa, the foreign employee must have worked for the U.S. employer or its affiliate abroad for at least one continuous year in the three years preceding the filing of the L-1 petition. The employee must also be coming to the United States to perform the same or similar job duties as they performed abroad.
L-1 Visas are initially issued for a period of three years, but they can be extended for up to two additional years. L-1 Visa holders are also eligible to apply for a green card.
Here are some of the benefits of the L-1 Visa program:
It allows U.S. employers to quickly and easily transfer qualified employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices.
It provides foreign employees with the opportunity to work in the United States and to gain experience in the U.S. business environment.
It helps to promote international trade and investment.
If you are a U.S. employer who is interested in transferring an employee from one of your foreign offices to one of your offices in the United States, or if you are a foreign employee who is interested in working in the United States on an L-1 Visa, you should contact an immigration attorney to discuss your eligibility and options.
Here are some additional things to know about the L-1 Visa program:
L-1 Visa holders are allowed to bring their spouses and children to the United States on dependent visas.
L-1 Visa holders are allowed to travel outside of the United States and return as long as their visa is still valid.
L-1 Visa holders are not allowed to change employers while they are in the United States
The U.S. immigration system can be complex, and it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your eligibility and options.