Published: January 13, 2022
The L-1 Visa, known as the Intra-Company Transfer Visa, is a nonimmigrant work visa granted to multinational company employees temporarily transferred to a parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary company in the United States.
Path to Green Card
Despite having a nonimmigrant work visa, an L-1 Visa holder can gain eligibility for immigrant status. The L-1 Visa is a “dual intent visa.” It refers to a visa by which noncitizens can enter the United States as a nonimmigrant but maintains the option to apply for a green card during their stay.
Types of L-1 Visa
The L-1 Visa is divided into two (2) categories, L-1A and L-1B Visa.
- L-1A Visa covers intracompany transferees with managerial or executive positions. Notably, this visa allows foreign companies without an affiliated American office to send an executive or manager to the United States to establish one.
- L-1B Visa covers intracompany transferees with positions that requires specialized knowledge. Specialized knowledge refers to knowledge about the petitioning company’s interests and its application in international markets, or high-level expertise regarding the company’s operations. Similar to L-1A Visa, L-1B Visa also allows foreign companies without an affiliated American office to send an executive or manager to the United States to establish one.
Allowable Stay
Employees who entered the United States through an L-1 Visa with the purpose of establishing a new office are allowed one (1) year initial stay. Other qualified L-1 Visa holders are allowed three (3) years initial stay. Extensions may be granted in increments of up to two years. L-1A Visa holders may only extend up to seven (7) years while L-1B Visa holders may extend up to five (5).
Seamless Transfers
Bringing your trusted employees to the United States should not be a painstaking process. Allow our highly experienced Los Angeles immigration lawyers to handle all the trouble for you. ALG Lawyers is equipped with tools, techniques, and experiences to render first-rate legal services. Do not hesitate to tell us what you need.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)