L-1A Visa
Visitor Visas
L-1A Visa
The L-1A visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States designed for intracompany transferees who hold executive or managerial positions in multinational companies. It allows foreign executives or managers to transfer to their company's U.S. office or affiliate to oversee operations, manage projects, or perform executive duties.
Eligibility:
To qualify for an L-1A visa, applicants must meet certain criteria:
Qualifying Relationship: The applicant must be employed by a multinational company that has a qualifying relationship with a U.S. entity, such as a parent company, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate. The U.S. entity must be actively conducting business and have a legitimate need for an executive or managerial employee.
Executive or Managerial Position: The applicant must currently hold, or be offered, an executive or managerial position within the company. Executive positions involve directing the management of the organization or a major component or function, while managerial positions involve supervising and controlling the work of other professional employees or managing an essential function.
Work Experience: The applicant must have at least one year of continuous employment with the overseas company within the three years preceding the visa application. This employment must have been in an executive or managerial capacity.
Intent to Transfer: The applicant must intend to enter the United States solely for the purpose of performing executive or managerial duties for the U.S. entity.
Requirements and/or Materials:
The USCIS requires various documents and evidence to process the L-1A visa petition. These may include:
- Proof of the qualifying relationship between the foreign employer and the U.S. entity, such as organizational charts, ownership documents, or financial statements.
- Detailed job description outlining the executive or managerial duties to be performed in the United States.
- Evidence of the applicant’s qualifications and work experience, such as resumes, employment contracts, or letters of recommendation.
- Documentation demonstrating the applicant’s role within the overseas company and the nature of their executive or managerial responsibilities.
- Business plans, financial statements, or other evidence of the U.S. entity’s operations and need for the applicant’s services.
Validity / Extensions:
The initial validity of an L-1A visa is typically up to three years for new offices in the U.S. and up to one year for existing offices. Extensions of stay may be granted in increments of up to two years, with a maximum total stay of seven years for L-1A visa holders.
Family Members:
Dependents, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, of L-1A visa holders may accompany them to the United States on L-2 visas. L-2 visa holders are eligible to study in the U.S. and may also apply for work authorization to be employed in the country.
Jurisdiction:
The L-1A visa application is processed through USCIS, typically through the employer’s petition on behalf of the executive or manager. Our firm can assist with preparing and filing the L-1A petition, ensuring compliance with all requirements and regulations.
As each case is unique, it’s important to consult our firm to determine eligibility and receive personalized assistance with the L-1A visa application process.