Applying for an L-1 visa for an intra-corporate transfer
L-1 visa is one of the most convenient immigration categories for managers, executives and specialists whom a company transfers to work in the United States. Applying for an L-1 visa allows employees of international companies to legally work in the United States, grow their business and receive some immigration benefits. Below we will consider L-1 visa process, its features and key design aspects
What is an L-1 visa and who is it suitable for?
L-1 visa is a special type of work permit used for intra-corporate transfer to the USA employees of international companies. It is divided into two main types: L-1A visa, which is intended for executives and top managers, and L-1B visa, issued to specialists with unique knowledge. The main requirement for obtaining such a visa is that the applicant must have worked for a company outside the United States for at least one year within the last three years before submitting the application. To correctly prepare documents and avoid errors, you should carry out legal analysis of the situation and get legal assistance in Alabama. Taking advantage legal services in Alabama, you can significantly increase the chances of your application being approved and avoid unforeseen complications.
Basic conditions for obtaining an L-1 visa
For successful obtaining an L-1 visa The applicant must satisfy a number of requirements under US immigration law. First of all, the sponsoring company must have an active office, subsidiary or affiliate in the United States confirming its rights to transfer of employees to the USA. The applicant himself must be a leader, manager or specialist with unique knowledge, which gives him the opportunity to receive L-1A or L-1B visa: differences between them consist in the nature of the duties performed.
Requirements for L-1 visa also include documentation of the employment relationship, that is, proof that the applicant worked for a company outside the United States for at least one year within the last three years before filing the application. One of the key stages of the process is filing an I-129 petition for an L-1 visa, which is a required document for processing by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Appeal to immigration lawyers for L-1 visa allows you to avoid mistakes when preparing documents and correctly present conditions for obtaining an L-1 visa. In addition, experts can evaluate the possibility of extending a visa if the applicant plans to work in the United States for longer than the established period. Opening a new office, a package of documents should be separately prepared, which will confirm the reality of business activities in the United States.
Obtaining a visa can be a step towards permanent residence in the United States, since it is possible to obtain a green card through an L-1 visa. Families of applicants are required to submit an application for L-2 family visas for L-1 family members, giving the right to live and, in some cases, work in the United States.
Given the complexity of the process, it is recommended to contact legal assistance in Alabama and take advantage legal services in Alabama who will hold legal analysis of the situation and will help you avoid common mistakes when submitting documents.
Documents for L-1 visa
To successfully obtain an L-1 visa, you must provide the following documents:
- Confirmation of work experience in an international company, in particular, official documents showing that the applicant has worked for a company outside the United States for at least one year within the last three years. Such documents include an employment contract indicating the position, wages and working conditions, as well as extracts from personnel records or accounting certificates confirming the fact of payment of wages.
- Financial documentation company, including tax returns, financial statements and bank statements demonstrating the stability of the business. These documents confirm that the company has sufficient resources to support its activities in the United States.
- Detailed description of the applicant's position and their responsibilities. This document must include the official job title, a list of key responsibilities, level of responsibility, subordinates (if any), and required skills.
- Letter of invitation from the American office, indicating that the company is ready to accept the applicant for work in the United States, indicating his job responsibilities, duration of work and contract terms.
- Application I-129, submitted to USCIS. This is the main document that officially initiates the L-1 visa process. Review of this application is a key step in the application process, so its preparation must be as accurate as possible and meet all immigration law requirements.
To avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining a visa, you should apply for legal assistance in Alabama and take advantage of cost of legal services in Alabama, which will allow you to conduct a detailed analysis of the situation, prepare all the necessary documents and correctly fill out the I-129 petition.
Terms and cost of obtaining an L-1 visa
L-1 visa processing times may vary from 1 to 6 months depending on loading at migration services. There is the possibility of expedited proceedings for a fee. Cost of obtaining an L-1 visa includes state meeting, legal fees and related expenses. For quick and hassle-free registration, many companies turn to immigration lawyers for L-1 visa.
Legal support and assistance in the registration process
To avoid mistakes and speed up the process, it is recommended to use the services legal support when obtaining an L-1 visa. Popular options:
- US Immigration Agencies for L-1 Visa provide advice and support.
- L-1 visa companies provide a full package of services.
- Turnkey L-1 visa application, including preparation of documents, legal support and provision of a petition.
Understanding all the intricacies of the legislation on your own can be difficult - contact the specialists of the legal marketplace 'Consultant', we know how to solve any of your legal issues!
Advantages of obtaining an L-1 visa with the legal marketplace ‘Consultant’
Legal marketplace 'Consultant' offers professional support at all stages of registration L-1 visas, ensuring full compliance with US immigration laws.
Legal transfer of employees to the USA.
Opportunity opening of a new office companies in the USA.
Right to L-1 visa extension and subsequent application for a green card.
Issue L-2 family visas for family members.
Thanks to legal assistance in Alabama from our specialists you will receive a clear action plan, speedy review of documents and reliable support during the immigration process. We will also help you calculate cost of legal services in Alabamaso that you can plan your expenses in advance and avoid unexpected financial risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
Can I change my L-1 visa status to another immigration category without leaving the US?
Answer
Yes, owners L-1 visas may change their status by filing an appropriate application with USCIS. More often, this is a transition to the EB-1C immigration category, which allows you to obtain a green card without having to leave the United States. It is important to complete all documents correctly and meet the requirements of the new visa category.
Question
Can a new employee on an L-1 visa be transferred if they have not previously worked?
Answer
No, the main condition obtaining an L-1 visa – The applicant must have worked for a company outside the United States for at least one year in the last three years. If the employee has not yet worked for the company or has worked for less than a year, transfer under this program is not possible.
Question
Are there limits on the number of L-1 visas one company can obtain?
Answer
Formally there are no hard quotas for L-1 visaHowever, USCIS carefully reviews companies that frequently apply for employee transfers. If a company has a significant number of requests, it may need to prove the validity of each transfer, financial stability and the need to attract foreign workers.
L-1 visa opens up significant opportunities for career growth, international business development and company expansion into the American market. Thanks to this program, executives, managers and highly qualified specialists can legally move to the United States and work in branches of their companies. However, successful obtaining an L-1 visa requires careful preparation, compliance with all requirements of immigration legislation and correct paperwork. Any inaccuracies or deficiencies in these materials may cause a delay or even denial of a visa.
To avoid difficulties and increase the chances of a positive result, you should use professional services for obtaining L-1 visa. Legal marketplace 'Consultant' provides comprehensive support from preparing documents to filing a petition with USCIS.
