L-1 VISA

The L-1A Multinational Executive or Manager

To qualify for the L-1A visa, an applicant must have been employed:

1) outside the United States for at least one year out of the three years preceding the petition,

2) in a managerial or executive position,

3) with a company that is the parent, affiliate, subsidiary or branch of the prospective US employer,

4) must be coming to the U.S. company to perform a similar role, and

5) the foreign company will continue its operations during this time.

The L-1A visa is issued initially for up to three years and may be renewed up to 7 years consecutive total.

A spouse or unmarried dependent child under 21 years old of a L-1A visa holder is entitled to an L-2 visa and the same length of stay as the principal. They cannot accept employment, but can attend school in the United States. Servants of a L-1A visa holder can receive a B-1 visitor visa.

The L-1A status enables comparatively easy conversion to permanent residence via the EB-1C category. For this reason, L-1A status is a preferred choice over other available options for bringing foreign nationals to the U.S.

L-1B Visa. This is for certain technical specialists being transferred. However, it has a 5 year maximum stay and does not permit smooth transition to permanent residence via the EB-1C category.