L-1 Visa

Transfer Executives, Managers, and Specialized Talent to the United States

The L-1 Visa may allow a company with operations outside the United States to temporarily transfer certain executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to a related company in the United States.

This visa may be an option for companies that want to open a new office, expand an existing operation, or transfer key talent to manage, develop, or strengthen their presence in the U.S. market.

The L-1 Visa does not automatically lead to permanent residence. However, it can be a strategic tool for entrepreneurs and international companies that meet the requirements related to corporate relationship, employee experience, and the business operation in the United States. USCIS recognizes two main categories: L-1A for executives and managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.

Corporate Relationship

The Two Companies Must Be Connected

We analyze how the foreign company, the U.S. company, and the ownership or control relationship between both entities are structured.

The corporate relationship must be documented through business records, ownership documents, contracts, corporate structures, organizational charts, and other relevant evidence. USCIS requires the U.S. and foreign organizations to have a qualifying relationship.

Prior Employee Experience

The Professional Must Have Worked for the Foreign Company

In general, the person being transferred must have worked for the foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the three years before the petition, in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

The previous position and the proposed role in the United States must be carefully evaluated according to the requested category.

U.S. Operation

The Company Must Have a Real Growth Plan

The U.S. operation must show that it can support the proposed position and that it has a concrete business activity.

In new office cases, it may be necessary to show physical office space, investment, a business plan, an operational structure, and projections that support the development of a viable U.S. operation.

Our Mission

Turn Your Company’s Expansion into a Strong Immigration Strategy

The L-1 Visa combines corporate, immigration, and operational requirements. Our team helps companies and entrepreneurs review whether their international structure meets the requirements and what evidence may be needed to show the relationship between both entities.

During the process, we help you:

  • Analyze whether there is a valid relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. company.
  • Review the ownership, control, and corporate affiliation structure.
  • Evaluate the experience of the employee who will be transferred.
  • Identify whether the appropriate category may be L-1A or L-1B.
  • Review the proposed position and the duties the employee will perform in the United States.
  • Organize corporate, financial, and operational documents.
  • Evaluate business plans, projections, and staffing structure.
  • Prepare the strategy for a new office or an already established operation.
  • Analyze options for an eligible spouse and children.
Find Out Whether You May Qualify
Indicators

Important elements for an L-1 Visa Petition

Active Foreign Company

The company outside the United States must be operating and able to show a real business activity.

Related U.S. Company

There must be an entity in the United States with a valid corporate relationship to the foreign company.

At Least One Year of Experience

The person being transferred must generally have worked for the foreign company for one continuous year within the three years before the petition.

Executive, Managerial, or Specialized Role

The employee’s role must meet the requirements for the L-1A or L-1B category.

U.S. Operation Plan

The company must be able to explain what the U.S. entity will do, how it will operate, which clients it will serve, what resources it will have, and how it will support the transferred employee’s position.

Corporate and Financial Evidence

Formation documents, ownership records, organizational charts, payroll records, financial statements, contracts, invoices, business reports, and other documents may be relevant.

Do You Want to Know Whether the L-1 Visa May Apply to Your Company?

You do not need to have the entire corporate structure completed before contacting us. Complete an initial evaluation and tell us about your foreign company, the projected U.S. operation, your role or the role of the employee you want to transfer, and your business goals.
Find Out Whether You May Qualify