L-1B Specialized Knowledge Visa

What is the L-1B Specialized Knowledge Visa and who can get it

The L-1B Specialized Knowledge Visa USA is a non-immigrant visa that provides the opportunity to temporarily transfer an employee with unique knowledge to the American office of an international company. It is about a deep understanding of a product, process, technology or work methodology that is critical to the company's business.

This visa is relevant for:

• IT specialists with knowledge of the company's internal software architecture;
• Engineers who have developed highly specialized products;
• Business analysts with access to unique data, strategies or systems.

How to apply for an L-1B visa USA

Applying for an L-1B Specialized Knowledge Visa USA requires a clearly drawn up package of documents. Main steps:

• The sponsoring company in the USA files Form I-129 with Appendix L;
• Evidence of the employee's specialized knowledge is collected: job duties, projects, certificates;
• Proof of corporate connection between the company's offices is submitted;
• The lawyer forms a cover letter and prepares a response to possible USCIS requests;
• After the petition is approved, the employee submits visa documents to the US consulate.

Basic requirements for applying for an L-1B visa in the USA

Applying for an L-1B Visa Application USA requires compliance with a number of requirements:

The employee must be a unique specialist. This means knowledge that is not generally available or common in the industry.

The employer must be an affiliated company in the US - that is, be a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliated legal entity.

Confirmation of employment abroad - the employee must have contracts, recommendations, payment documents that confirm his experience.

Additionally, the package of documents includes:

• Form I-129 with Appendix L;
• Confirmation of the employee's qualifications;
• Company information, financial statements, corporate structure.

How legal support helps to obtain an L-1B visa

Involving a specialist significantly increases the likelihood of approval. Legal assistance in obtaining an L-1B visa includes:

• Analysis of the employee's compliance with USCIS requirements;
• Preparation of a substantiated petition with an explanation of the specifics of the employee's knowledge;
• Support during the submission of documents;

Control of deadlines for submission and responses to USCIS requests (RFE, NOID);

Consultations for HR and company management on internal procedures.

Specialists of our "Consultant" platform have successful experience in preparing L-1B cases, including conversions to a Green Card (L-1B to EB-1C).

Advantages of the L-1B visa and the possibility of changing the status

Among the main advantages of the L-1B visa to the USA for workers with unique knowledge:

1. Residence permit for up to 5 years (initially - 3 years + 2 years of extension);
2. Possibility of transporting the family (L-2 visa for spouses and children);
3. Spouse has the right to work in the USA;
4. Possibility of transforming L-1B into immigration status (through EB-1C, EB-2/EB-3 with PERM).