Definition
The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant category that is commonly referred to as the intra-company transferee visa. This visa applies to foreign workers who have been employed by a company that has a parent, subsidiary, branch or affiliate in the United States (“parent company”). This type of visa was intended to allow multinational corporations (and other business entities) to transfer high-level or essential employees from overseas positions in order to aid or initiate business operations at the parent company in the United States. Workers under this category come to the United States temporarily in order to perform services of a managerial or executive capacity and fall under the L-1A category. Foreign workers who have specialized knowledge that a parent company requires fall under the L-1B category.
Eligibility Criteria to qualify for an L-1 visa:
1. A foreign worker must have been employed abroad by the parent company for a minimum of one
continuous year within the last three year period. There is no annual cap on the number of
employees who can receive the L-1 visa each year nor is labor certification required.
2. The employer is not required to pay those holding L-1 visas prevailing wage in the industry, but
the employer cannot pay the foreign worker an amount that would hurt the US economy.
the employer cannot pay the foreign worker an amount that would hurt the US economy.
Family
The L-1 visa allows immediate family members, including spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, of the foreign worker holding the L-1 visa to gain admission to the United States through the L-2 visa. The L-2 visa holds the same restrictions as the L-1 visa.
Blanket Petitions
Blanket petitions exist for employers who file L petitions on a regular basis. Under a blanket petition, the employer can obtain continuing approval for the company as well as some of its parents, subsidiaries, and affiliates within the United States. The blanket petition helps to simplify the process of approving and admitting foreign workers under L visas for companies that use this type of visa on a regular basis.
If, based on this information, you are still uncertain whether your credentials qualify you for the L-1 category or the strength of your case to be granted this type of visa, please feel free to email our offices with a copy of your resume or curriculum vitae at us@usemin.com. The attorneys at our office will then review your qualifications and reply to you with a written evaluation within two working days. This evaluation is free and does not create any obligation on your behalf to continue utilizing our services. .
What to Expect from U.S. Law Group
The attorneys in our offices are skilled in the area of immigration law and will handle your case carefully and diligently. We strictly follow the deadlines set forth in our work procedures to process your individual case.
The Evaluation
The initial evaluation provided to you is made on a case by case basis, rather than with the use of a template to answer all requests. Each individual case presented to us is unique and requires careful analysis that cannot be accomplished through the use of a template. Even though our evaluations are made on a case by case basis, the basic information included will cover:
1. Whether your credentials meet the minimum standard of the L-1 requirements;
2. Whether your case has a strong likelihood of being approved under the L-1 category;
3. What other options you may have to obtain a green card if approval of your case under the L-1
category is unlikely.
category is unlikely.
