The L-1 Visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows international companies to transfer managers or specialized employees to their operations in the United States. The L-1 Visa is ideal for companies wishing to transfer employees to an existing office or open a new branch office in the United States. Marsan Akguc Law Office facilitates the process by providing you with professional support in your L-1 Visa applications.
What is an L-1 Visa?
L-1 Visa is a visa that can be applied for to transfer an executive or specialized employee to the US branch of an international company. It consists of two basic categories:
- L-1A Visa: For executives and senior managers.
- L-1B Visa: For employees of the company with specialized knowledge.
Key Features of the L-1 Visa
- Internal Transfers: Allows transfers to an existing US branch or a new office.
- Temporary Residence: L1-A Visa:Employees opening a new U.S. office can stay up to 1 year, others up to 3 years, with extensions in 2-year increments to a 7-year max.
- L-1B Visa: New office employees can stay up to 1 year, others up to 3 years, with extensions in 2-year increments to a 5-year max.
- Family Reunification: The visa holder may bring his/her spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age. Spouses can obtain a work permit.
- Green Card Ease: EB-1C category provides an advantage in applying for permanent residence.
- Fast Processing: Applications can be finalized within 15 business days with the expediting service.
Who Can Apply for an L-1 Visa?
In order to apply for an L-1 Visa, certain criteria must be met:
Qualification of the Employee
- Manager (L-1A): People who can make strategic decisions and manage business processes.
- Specialized Employee (L-1B): Employees with specialized knowledge and skills of the company.
In-Company Working Time
- The applicant must have worked for at least one year continuously in the last three years in a branch of the same company outside the United States.
Company Activity in the USA
- The company must have an active branch in the US or if a new branch is to be opened, the plans must be supported by documentation.
Position to be Transferred
- The position to be transferred should be a managerial or specialized role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Marsan Akguc Law Firm makes the process smooth by providing support for your L-1 Visa applications with its expert staff. Contact us now to achieve your business goals in the USA!
L-1A visa: Max. 7 years.
L-1B Visa: Max. 3 years.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can join you on an L-2 Visa.
Yes, L-1A Visa holders can benefit from the EB-1C Green Card category.
No, this visa only allows you to work for the sponsoring employer.
Yes, companies planning to open a new branch can apply for an L-1 Visa.
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