Publication date: 03.07.2025
Multilingual legal professional with strong expertise in litigation, immigration, family, and corporate law. Skilled in arbitration and high-quality legal drafting, with a track record of effective advocacy and strategic case management. Combines analytical precision with a results-driven approach to complex legal and business matters.
Obtaining an L1 Visa and Relocation to the U.S.: Case of Transferring an International Company Executive
The L1 visa enables international companies to transfer key employees from foreign offices to U.S. branches. It is an effective tool for global business development. In this case, attorney Nugzar Koberidze provided full legal support to a client — a top executive of a European IT company appointed to lead the U.S. branch. Thanks to a well-crafted strategy and prompt communication with immigration authorities, the petition was approved in less than 30 days.
Case Context
A large technology company headquartered in Europe opened a subsidiary in the United States. To ensure its successful launch and development, the company needed to transfer an experienced executive who was well-versed in its internal operations. The L1A visa was chosen for this purpose. The client turned to attorney Nugzar Koberidze for full legal assistance throughout the entire process — from developing the evidence strategy to handling USCIS requests and relocating the family.
Legal Support Stages
1. Strategy and Initial Assessment
- Legal audit of the applicant’s eligibility under L1A visa requirements
- Selected expedited processing route — Premium Processing
- Developed a tailored evidence collection plan confirming managerial duties and the branch’s activity
2. Petition Preparation and Submission
- Confirmed the client’s managerial position and authority in the foreign entity
- Collected and prepared documents regarding the U.S. entity’s structure, operations, and finances
- Filed the I-129 petition with a full document package under Premium Processing
3. Response to Request for Evidence (RFE)
- 14 days after submission, USCIS issued an RFE to clarify the applicant’s duties and branch operations
- Nugokoberidze prepared a comprehensive response including the org chart, business plan, and management reports
- The RFE response was submitted to USCIS within 2 weeks of receipt
4. Petition Approval and Relocation
- The petition was approved 30 days after the RFE response submission
- The client and their family received visas and successfully relocated to the U.S.
- The client currently oversees operations at the company’s U.S. office
Result
- L1A visa approved within one month of petition submission
- The client was officially transferred without disrupting business operations
- The family also received L2 visas and relocated together with the applicant
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
What is an L1 visa and who qualifies for it?
Answer
The L1 visa is for employees in managerial or specialized knowledge roles who have worked at a foreign affiliate of the U.S. company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
Question
How long does it take to obtain an L1 visa?
Answer
With Premium Processing, USCIS reviews the petition within 15 calendar days. If an RFE is issued, the total process may take 30–45 days.
Question
Can I bring my family with an L1 visa?
Answer
Yes. Spouses and children of L1 holders can receive L2 visas. Spouses may apply for employment authorization in the U.S.
This case, managed by attorney Nugzar Koberidze, demonstrates how a well-structured strategy and responsive immigration support lead to a smooth and timely L1 visa approval. The client successfully relocated to the United States and continues to grow the company’s U.S. presence with full legal and operational stability.
