The L1 visa is a nonimmigrant program that allows companies based in other countries to transfer their employees to a U.S. subsidiary or branch. There are limits on which professionals may be sent in this way, and not all will qualify.
If you are considering this option for an employee of your company, an L-1 intracompany transfer visa lawyer can help. By working with experienced legal counsel, you could avoid some of the pitfalls that can bring these applications to a disappointing end. Reach out to a dedicated visa attorney right away to learn more.
There are two distinct categories for this visa, and each is intended for a different type of professional. An attorney could assist with either L-1 intracompany transferee visa option depending on an applicant’s qualifications.
This visa is intended for employees who work in an executive or managerial capacity. The applicant is required to resume their current role with the same company when they reach the United States. They are allowed to remain in the country for up to three years and can be tasked with setting up a new branch or location.
The L-1B is for transferring employees who hold specialized knowledge but do not work in an executive capacity. These professionals are allowed to come to the U.S. to train employees.
Those qualified for an L-1 visa also frequently meet the requirements for an H-1B visa. However, the unique benefits of the L-1 visa make it appealing to some people.
For starters, there are no educational requirements necessary. While an H-1B requires specialized knowledge or advanced degrees, that is not the case with this option. Additionally, there are no quotas or challenges involving the prevailing wage to navigate.
That does not mean every application will be accepted. Pitfalls come with every stage of the immigration process, making it crucial to have the support of legal counsel. An L-1 intracompany transferee visa attorney could help in a variety of ways, including:
Having the support of a strong legal team could go a long way toward a favorable outcome.
As with many employment-based visas, this option allows an applicant to bring their immediate family once their application is granted. However, there are some limitations on who qualifies.
The holder is allowed to sponsor their spouse for what is known as an L-2 visa. Their children are also eligible, so long as they are unmarried and under 21. The spouse of an L-1 holder is authorized to work in the United States.
If your company wants to transfer an employee to the United States, having the right attorney can make all the difference. Unique challenges come with this process, but a successful outcome is possible. Reach out to an L-1 intracompany transferee visa lawyer right away to learn more.
