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A lot of people are confused about what an L1 visa is, how it works, and who can apply for one. This is understandable because the law around this type of visa has changed a few times in recent years.

The good news is that there’s no need to be confused anymore! If you’re interested in learning more about applying for an L1 visa or green card, we have plenty of resources on our website that explain everything from start to finish. Read on

What is a United States L1 visa ?

united-state-L1-visa

The United States L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows overseas companies to transfer employees to the United States on a managerial capacity or specialized field of employment basis.

One of the greatest L-1 visa benefits is the fact that you do not need a degree to qualify. Unlike the H1B visa that only allows you to work on the payroll of a US company, L1 visa workers can be on the payroll of the US company or an overseas company.

What are the Types of USA L1 Visas?

To apply for an L1 visa the employee must have worked for an overseas subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of the US company they are transferring to for at least one year out of the last three years. The employee must have worked as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker for this time.

L1 Visa Types:

The L-1 visa has two subcategories: the L-1A for managers and executives, and the L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge. L-1 holders can also pursue a lawful permanent resident status during their stay.

L1A visa: Up to years of stay in the US for executives, managers and business owners

L1B visa: Up to 5 years of stay in the US for specialized knowledge employees

Duration of the L1 USA visa:

For the L-1A visa, holders will be granted an initial three years of stay in the U.S. They can then extend their stay to a maximum of seven years, this surpasses the H-1B’s maximum of six years and the J-1’s maximum of five years. However, the L-1B visa can only be extended to a maximum of five years.

Here are the 2 Types of L1 Visas:

This particular visa category is designed for individuals in managerial and executive roles. It is intended for those who may need to relocate to a US-based office or wish to establish a new office in the United States. Successful applicants for this visa can enjoy a maximum authorized stay of up to 7 years in the United States.

This visa category is tailored for specialized employees or knowledge workers with expertise in specific skills. The L1-B visa allows individuals with these qualifications to stay in the United States for a maximum period of up to 5 years.

If you have previously held an H1B visa and have accumulated time working in the United States under that visa, the duration of your prior H1B employment can be subtracted from your total allowable stay under the L1 visa.

However, to qualify for the L1-A and L1-B visa, you must be having work experience from a corporation for a continuous twelve-month period in your previous 36 months.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for an L1-B Visa?

To qualify for the L1-B Visa, eligibility requirements must be met by both the employer and the prospective employee.

which are mentioned below:

The qualifying employers need to meet the below L1-B visa requirements for the employers:

  • Acceptable relationship with a foreign affiliate or company or branch.
  • The employer is currently holding a business or maybe holding business in the US.

If the employee is transferred in a purpose to set up a new business in the US, then the employer must possess the below needs:

  • Need to have premises of property to set up a business.
  • Must have financial ability to pay for the employee.
  • He/she needs to have work experience from a qualifying organization board for a minimum of one continuous year within 3 years (before entering the US).
  • Planning to enter the US to serve with specialized knowledge.
  • Companies with a global network.
  • Companies which are accredited by the native authorities.
  • Companies that show promising growth.

What Documents are Required for the L1 Visa Application?

The necessary documents required for the L1 visa application process include:

  • Visa application Form DS-160 with complete details.
  • Copy of Form DS-160 and L-Supplement.
  • The employee copy of Notice of Action, Form I-797

Documents from the U.S. Company:

  • Lease of the Office Location.
  • Stock Certificates.
  • Bank statements.
  • Accounting reports.
  • Form 1120 – Employer’s Income Tax Return (if applicable).
  • Form, 941 – Employer’s Quarterly Report (if applicable).
  • Explanation on the Company’s Business.
  • Invoices, Bills of Lading, commercial contracts, letters of credit, etc.
  • Company letterheads.
  • Bank Statements.

Documents from foreign company:

  • Article of Incorporation.
  • Past 3 years Income tax filings.
  • Business license.
  • Organization chart, position held by the transferee, total number of employees.
  • Brochure of the company or product description.
  • Documents related to business transactions.
  • Transactional records.
  • Letterheads with company logo, name and address.

Documents from the Transferee:

  • Diploma
  • Payment Statements
  • Resume
  • Income tax reports
  • Company charts which depicts your role in the organization
  • Reference letters from colleagues, supervisors
  • Your roles and responsibilities in a managerial/executive role
  • Verification letters from the foreign company
  • Appointment or Board resolution documents
  • Other documents which show your capability to conduct business in the executive position.
  • If you have any specialized knowledge, then you need to provide registrations by you for your company.

Related FAQs

After obtaining your L1 approval petition, you have to provide a list of documents to process your L1 visa stamping.

Here’s the list of documents:
  • Confirmation page of L1 Visa application form
  • Fee receipt of US Visa Application
  • The US Visa Interview Appointment letter
  • Passport
  • Old passports
  • Resume
  • L1 petition copies
  • Letters for L1 Visa from the employer to the consulate
  • Legal papers issued by the employer.
  • Passport size photos

How to Apply for a L1-A Visa?

If you are setting up to apply for the L1-A visa, then, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps:

Submit Form I-129

To successfully initiate the L1 visa application process, it is imperative to complete and submit the Form I-129, along with the requisite filing fees, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Following submission, it is essential to obtain the receipt number assigned to the Form I-129 application. Subsequently, this receipt number should be meticulously printed on the approved petition of the Form I-129, thereby ensuring that all crucial information is accurately documented and easily accessible throughout the visa application process.

Complete Form DS-160

To begin the visa application process, it is a mandatory requirement to fill out the Form DS-160 online. This electronic application form is a vital component of the application process, and it plays a crucial role in gathering essential information about your background, travel plans, and intended stay in the United States. Completing the DS-160 online not only streamlines the application process but also ensures accuracy and consistency in the information provided.

Book Visa Interview

After completing the Form DS-160 and gathering all the necessary documents for your L1 visa application, the next crucial step is to arrange an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Attend Interview

Once you've successfully scheduled your visa interview appointment and gathered all the required L1 visa documents, the next crucial step in the process is to attend the interview as per your scheduled date and time. Here's a more detailed explanation

Receive Passport

Upon the successful approval of your visa application, the process of receiving your visa and passport typically involves the utilization of a trusted courier service. This phase plays a pivotal role in the finalization of your travel arrangements to the United States.

Related FAQs

The step-by-step process for L1-B visa includes:
  • The employer needs to complete and submit the Form I-129 and L supplement.
  • You need to get the receipt number from the Form I-129, and get printed on approved Form I-129 Petition.
  • Should complete the Form DS-160 online.
  • Arrange an appointment for a visa interview.
  • Bring all your L1 Visa requirements and attend the visa interview.
  • Once you get the application approved, you will receive an L1B visa. You get the visa via courier service.

Going from L1-A Visa to a Green Card

You can easily change your L1A Visa to a Green Card by proving your intent to return to the U.S as a citizen.

Here’s what you need to change your L1A visa to a Green Card:

  • Employment outside the U.S for at least 1 year.
  • You need to be of a managerial or executive post with specialized skills.
  • You and your foreign employer must have a valid relationship.
  • You and your foreign employer should be in touch throughout the application process.

With a LI1 A visa, you’ll have several advantages like:

  • You won’t have to go through the Permanent Labor Certification program (PERM).

The L1B Visa doesn’t necessarily give these advantages.

Related FAQs

Yes, it is easier to get a Green card if you are with an L1-A visa. You, as an L1-A holder, can change your status to the green card without losing the L1 status.

  • L1 A is a great way of acquiring the L1 Visa status. Also, it is one of the simplest to get the Green card status.
  • There are many advantages if you apply for a green card with an L1-A visa. The time consumption for the process is lesser, and you are not required to go for the Permanent Labor Certification Program (PERM).
  • Whereas if you hold the L1-B visa, you need to go through a PERM Labor Certification Program. And, this is a lengthy process which may take years to complete.

  • If you are processing through the L1-A visa, the processing time can be lesser than a year.
  • The L1-A visa is the fastest and shortest way. L1-B visa takes up to years to complete the process.
  • The L1-A visa is a great pathway for you and your family members if seeking to live in the United States as a permanent resident.

Follow these 3 steps:

Step 1: Get an approved petition from USCIS:

Your employer needs to submit Form I-140.

The form I-140 needs to be submitted by an employer and not the employee.

Step 2: Apply for Immigrant Visa(For Green Card):

Once the form I-140 is approved, you will need to submit Form I-485 for permanent residence in the U.S. This process may take up to 7 months to get approved.

Step 3: Fill the DS-260 Visa form:

If you are planning to get a green card for your spouse as well, this form needs to be mandatorily filled and submitted to the NVC.

Now, all you need to do after that is wait to be a permanent resident of the U.S. "Getting a green card via the L1-B process means going through the PERM labor certification program. This process is more time-consuming."

6 months - 8 months