A lot of people are confused about what an L1 visa is, how it works, and who can apply for one. This is understandable because the law around this type of visa has changed a few times in recent years.
The good news is that there’s no need to be confused anymore! If you’re interested in learning more about applying for an L1 visa or green card, we have plenty of resources on our website that explain everything from start to finish.
What is a United States L1 visa ?
The United States L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows overseas companies to transfer employees to the United States on a managerial capacity or specialized field of employment basis.
One of the greatest L-1 visa benefits is the fact that you do not need a degree to qualify. Unlike the H1B visa that only allows you to work on the payroll of a US company, L1 visa workers can be on the payroll of the US company or an overseas company.
To apply for an L1 visa the employee must have worked for an overseas subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of the US company they are transferring to for at least one year out of the last three years. The employee must have worked as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker for this time.
L1 Visa Types:
The L-1 visa has two subcategories: the L-1A for managers and executives, and the L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge. L-1 holders can also pursue a lawful permanent resident status during their stay.
L1A visa: Up to years of stay in the US for executives, managers and business owners
L1B visa: Up to 5 years of stay in the US for specialized knowledge employees
Duration of the L1 USA visa:
For the L-1A visa, holders will be granted an initial three years of stay in the U.S. They can then extend their stay to a maximum of seven years, this surpasses the H-1B’s maximum of six years and the J-1’s maximum of five years. However, the L-1B visa can only be extended to a maximum of five years.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for an L1-B Visa?
The qualifying employers need to meet the below L1-B visa requirements for the employers:
Acceptable relationship with a foreign affiliate or company or branch.
The employer is currently holding a business or maybe holding business in the US.
If the employee is transferred in a purpose to set up a new business in the US, then the employer must possess the below needs:
Need to have premises of property to set up a business.
Must have financial ability to pay for the employee.
What Documents are Required for the L1 Visa Application?
The essential documents which are needed during the L1 visa application process include:
Visa application Form DS-160 with complete details.
Copy of Form DS-160 and L-Supplement.
The employee copy of Notice of Action, Form I-797
Documents from the US company:
Lease of the Office Location.
Stock Certificates.
Bank statements.
Accounting reports.
Form 1120 – Employer’s Income Tax Return (if applicable).
Invoices, Bills of Lading, commercial contracts, letters of credit, etc.
Company letterheads.
Bank Statements.
Documents from foreign company:
Article of Incorporation.
Past 3 years Income tax filings.
Business license.
Organization chart, position held by the transferee, total number of employees.
Brochure of the company or product description.
Documents related to business transactions.
Transactional records.
Letterheads with company logo, name and address.
Documents from the Transferee:
Diploma
Payment Statements
Resume
Income tax reports
Company charts which depicts your role in the organization
Reference letters from colleagues, supervisors
Your roles and responsibilities in a managerial/executive role
Verification letters from the foreign company
Appointment or Board resolution documents
Other documents which show your capability to conduct business in the executive position.
If you have any specialized knowledge, then you need to provide registrations by you for your company.
How to Apply for a L1-A Visa?
Need to complete and submit the Form I-129 with the required filing fees. Get the receipt number of the Form I-129 and print it on the approved petition of the Form I-129.
Should complete the Form DS-160 online
Need to arrange an appointment for a visa interview.
Go for the interview as scheduled with required L1 Visa documents.
After receiving a visa, the passport will be provided via a courier service.
What Glaarus Overseas will do?
As Glaarus Overseas Careers being one of the top most best consultancy in India. Serving people across the world with our 100% best careers guidance and documentation
We deal with:
Visit Visa: Travel for leisure or business to any part of the world with Glaarus.
Work Visa: Work & settle in the World’s Best Cities!
Permanent Residence: Become a Permanent Resident and enjoy special benefits.
Study Visa: Study in Globally-recognized Universities!
Immigration: We are your one-stop solution for all your visa and immigration needs
CUSTOMISED SERVICES:
Profile Evaluation: Based on your unique profile history, we make matches with the visa eligibility requirements, and advise you with the visas you must apply for.
Resume Writing: We guide you to create a resume that stands out as desired by the concerned immigration authority.
Procuring documents: Help you arrange documents needed before applying for a visa.
Professional guidance: we will be providing you interview training, French/English courses from third parties (if needed) , working samples for resumes, cover letters or assisting with application forms, medical or police clearance certificates - we will always be there for you.
Dedicated Case Officer: We offer personal assistance and a single point of contact between the company and you, throughout the process
We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information
how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
for permanent migration visa applications, how many places are available in the migration program
Check your eligibility here
Please fill this form to know your eligibility
Glaarus Overseas Services Pvt Ltd is NOT a RECRUITMENT / PLACEMENT AGENCY, we neither assist in any kind of Job/employment offers nor do guarantee any kind of domestic/International placements.
