Immigration Legal Services

L1 Visa – Transfer Employees to the U.S.

Our L1 Visa attorneys help executives and key employees relocate with ease. Let us handle the legal details so you can focus on growing your company in the U.S. with confidence.

Service Description

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category designed for employees of multinational companies who are transferred to a U.S. office in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity. It allows foreign businesses to send key personnel to their U.S. subsidiaries, branches, or affiliates for a temporary period. This visa is also an option for companies looking to establish a new U.S. office while transferring qualified employees to oversee operations.

Book your consultation now to understand important details related to the L1 visa application, and the different steps you have to take, such as interviews and the submission of paperwork.

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Benefits of the L1 Visa

✅ Allows companies to transfer employees to the U.S. to expand operations.

✅ L-1A visa holders can pursue a Green Card through the EB-1C category.

✅ Spouses of L1 visa holders (L-2 visa) can work in the U.S.

✅ No annual cap—no limit on the number of L-1 visas issued each year.

✅ Enables multinational companies to establish a U.S. presence.

Types of L-1 Visas

There are two main categories of the L1 visa:

L-1A Visa (For Managers and Executives)

Designed for high-level employees who oversee company operations.
Must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
Can stay in the U.S. for up to seven years with extensions.
Direct path to a Green Card through the EB-1C immigrant visa.

L-1B Visa (For Employees with Specialized Knowledge)

For professionals with deep expertise in the company’s processes, products, or technology.
Must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
Can stay in the U.S. for up to five years with extensions.

L1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an L-1 visa, both the employer and employee must meet specific requirements:

Employer Requirements

✅ Must have a qualifying relationship with the U.S. office (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).

✅ Must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country.

✅ If opening a new office, must show a physical premises in the U.S. and a viable business plan.

Employee Requirements

✅ Must have worked for the company outside the U.S. for at least one year in the last three years.

✅ Must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.

✅ Must work only for the U.S. office of the same employer.

Key Definitions

What is a Parent, Subsidiary, Branch, or Affiliate?

A parent company controls one or more subsidiaries.
A subsidiary is a company in which the parent company owns at least 50% and has control over operations.
A branch is an office operating under the main company but not as a separate entity.
An affiliate is a business owned and controlled by the same parent company as another related business.

What Qualifies as an Executive Position?

Under U.S. immigration law, an executive is someone who:

Directs the management of the company or a major component.
Sets organizational goals and policies.
Exercises significant decision-making authority.
Receives only general supervision from higher-level executives or company stakeholders.

What Defines a Managerial Role?

A manager is someone who:

Manages an entire organization, a department, or a key function of the company.
Supervises and controls the work of other employees or manages an essential company function.
Has the authority to hire, fire, and make personnel decisions.
Exercises discretion over daily operations and company strategy.

How it Works

Get Your L1 Visa In 3 Simple Steps

Book A Consultation

Pick the suitable time for you and the preferred language in our calendar to book your consultation

Hire Our Firm

Choose your payment plan and start working with your assigned lawyer in complete confidentiality

Get Your Visa

We will be with you in every step along the way until you get your visa and move to the US or change your status

Documents Required for L1 Visa Application

Biographical Documents of the Employee:

Copy of Passport I.D. Page
Copy of U.S. Visa I.D. Page (if applicable)
Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (if applicable)
Employment Verification Letter
Payroll Summary for the past year
Payroll Stubs/Earnings Statements – for the last year
Resume

Documents from Foreign Company/Qualifying Organization:

Proof of the employee’s role at the foreign company for at least one year in the past three years
Job description, work product, or projects completed
Statement explaining the need for the employee’s specialized knowledge or executive role
Letter from the CEO/company official explaining the employee’s importance to company operations
Articles of incorporation or equivalent
Certificate of Registration or equivalent
Board authorization (for startup organizations)
Company list of shareholders
Most recent federal income tax return
Company lease for business premises
Business utility bills and directory listings
Profit & loss statements
Balance sheet
Company bank statements for the past year
Company brochures, marketing materials, website printouts
Color photographs of business premises (interior and exterior)
Organizational chart with employee names and job titles
Employee list with job descriptions
Evidence of a U.S. subsidiary or parent company (if applicable)

Documents from U.S. Subsidiary/Parent Company:

Job description and requirements for the employee’s position
Statement explaining specialized knowledge (for L-1B applicants)
Articles of incorporation
Organizational minutes
IRS Letter for EIN issuance
Company stock ledger
Issued stock certificates
Company bank statements for the past year
Business license
Seller’s permit
Employee organizational chart
Lease for business premises (with square footage and floor plan)
Business utility bills and directory listings
Color photographs of business premises (interior and exterior)
Business plan

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How to Apply for an L-1 Visa

Step 1: Employer Files Form I-129

The U.S. employer must file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS. Supporting documents should include:

Proof of qualifying business relationship.
Organizational charts showing management roles (for L-1A visas).
Evidence of specialized knowledge (for L-1B visas).
Business plan and lease agreement (if establishing a new office).

Step 2: Employee Applies for the L1 Visa

If the petition is approved, the employee must:

Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Provide supporting documents, including employment verification and company financials. For the L-1B Visa, The employer must provide proof of a qualifying business relationship, the employee’s job responsibilities, and evidence of active business operations.

Step 3: Attend the Visa Interview

The employee will attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate and answer questions about their role and company. If already in the U.S., they may apply for a change of status.

Step 4: Enter the U.S. and Begin Work

Once approved, the employee can travel to the U.S. and start working. The L-1 visa is typically granted for one to three years initially, with extensions possible.

We Have Extensive Experience Dealing With Business Visa Applications

Whether you’re applying for an L-1 Visa to transfer as an executive, manager, or specialized employee, our firm has the expertise to navigate the complexities of the process. We tailor our approach to your unique business needs, ensuring a smooth transition and the best chance of success.

Duration and Extensions

L-1A Visa: Initially granted for up to one year for a new office and three years for an established office. Extensions can be granted in two-year increments for a maximum stay of seven years.
L-1B Visa: Initially granted for three years, with extensions in two-year increments, up to a maximum of five years.

L1 Visa for New Office Setup

Companies that want to open a new U.S. office can use the L-1 visa, but they must:

Secure a physical office space in the U.S.
Present a business plan with projected growth.
Prove the ability to financially support U.S. operations.

New office L-1 visas are granted for one year initially, with extensions available.

L-1 Blanket Petition – Faster Processing

Larger companies that frequently transfer employees can apply for an L-1 Blanket Petition. This pre-approves the company, allowing employees to apply directly for visas without individual petitions.

To qualify, the company must:

Have at least three offices in the U.S. and abroad.
Have transferred at least 10 L-1 employees in the last 12 months.
Meet minimum revenue and workforce requirements.

L1 Visa to Green Card (Permanent Residency)

The L-1A visa provides a direct path to permanent residency (Green Card) under the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives.

✅ No labor certification required (faster than other employment-based Green Cards).

✅ Eligible after one year of working in the U.S.

✅ File Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) for an EB-1C Green Card.

L-1B visa holders can apply for a Green Card, but they must go through the (PERM) labor certification process.

We are Here for You

No matter How complicated is your case, we can help you get your visa and live freely in America

Dependent Visa: L-2 Visa for Family Members

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders can apply for L-2 visas.
L-2 spouses can apply for work authorization and work for any employer in the U.S.
Children on L-2 visas can attend school but cannot work.

Advantages of the L-1 Visa

No annual cap on the number of visas issued.
No degree requirement, making it accessible to executives and managers with relevant work experience.
Dual intent allows applicants to pursue a green card while on an L-1 visa.
Ideal for foreign companies looking to expand to the U.S. and transfer key personnel.

Challenges and Considerations

The company must prove a legitimate business need for the transfer.
USCIS has increased scrutiny on L-1B applications, requiring strong documentation of specialized knowledge.
For new offices, there must be a clear business plan and ability to sustain U.S. operations.

Why Choose Santos Khoury LLC for Your L1 Visa?

Applying for an L-1 visa requires strong documentation and strategy. At Santos Khoury LLC, we help businesses and employees navigate the process successfully. Our services include:

✅ L-1 Visa Petitions – Complete application support and document preparation.

✅ New Office Setup – Guidance on establishing a U.S. branch or subsidiary.

✅ L-1 Blanket Petitions – Fast-track options for multinational companies.

✅ Green Card Transition – Assistance with EB-1C petitions for permanent residency.

Given the complexity of the application process and required documentation, working with an experienced immigration lawyer can greatly improve the chances of a successful application.

If you need assistance with your L-1 visa application, book a consultation with our experienced immigration attorneys today!

FAQs

Can an L1 visa holder apply for a green card?

Yes, L-1A visa holders can apply for a green card under the EB-1C category, which provides a path to permanent residency without requiring labor certification. L-1B holders may also apply for a green card, but they typically need to go through the PERM labor certification process, which involves proving that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position.