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L-1 Visa

What is an L-1 Visa?

The L-1 non-immigrant visa allows U.S. employers to transfer executives or managers from their foreign affiliates to their organizations in the United States. This category of visa also enables foreign companies, which do not yet have a U.S. branch, to send executives or managers to the U.S. to establish a subsidiary. There are several categories of L-1 visas:

  • L-1A: For managerial staff, requiring high-level management skills, with a permissible stay of up to seven years in the U.S. L-1A holders can apply for immigration through EB1C, avoiding the need for a PERM labor shortage certification application, without any visa bulletin issues, and typically obtain a green card within one year.

  • L-1B: For key technical personnel; requiring special skills and abilities, with a permissible stay of up to five years in the U.S. L-1B can apply for immigration through EB2 or EB3, which requires a PERM labor shortage certification application, taking 4-6 years to obtain a green card.

  • L-1 Blanket Visa (Blanket Petition): Multinational companies applying for L-1 visas only need to meet the relevant application requirements to, through a single application, transfer a certain number of employees who meet the L-1 requirements to work in the U.S.

 

Who is Eligible to Apply for an L-1 Visa?

  • Employer Eligibility: The employer must establish a qualifying relationship with the foreign company recognized by the U.S. Immigration Bureau. The employer must be conducting or about to conduct business in the U.S. and in at least one other country during the period the executive or manager is stationed in the U.S.

  • Executive or Manager Eligibility: The executive or manager must have worked continuously for the foreign employer for at least one year within the three years prior to being transferred to the U.S. Additionally, the executive or manager will continue to work in the U.S. for the employer’s subsidiary in a managerial or executive position.

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What are the Advantages of an L-1 Visa?

  • L-1 visas do not require executives or managers to have a bachelor's degree.

  • Compared to other work visas, the L-1 visa has a lower threshold, opening doors for applicants who do not qualify for other work visas.

  • There is no annual cap for L-1 visa approvals.

  • L-1 visa holders can stay in the U.S. for up to 7 years, longer than other work visas.

  • Unlike other non-immigrant visas, the L-1 visa is considered a "dual intent" visa, meaning L-1 visa holders can apply for a green card while working in the U.S.

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What are the Application Fees for an L-1 Visa? (subject to change)

  • Form I-129 Application Fee: $460

  • Fraud Prevention Fee: $500

  • Public Law 113-114: $4,500 (This fee is charged only to employers with 50 or more employees, and more than 50% of their employees are H-1B, L-1A, or L-1B holders)

  • Educational Credential Evaluation Fee: Approximately $300-500 (if applicable)

  • Translation Fee: Approximately $500-$800

  • DS-160 Application Fee: $190 (charged only to overseas applicants)

 

How Long Does it Take to Review an L-1 Visa?

USCIS generally requires 4 to 6 months to review the application submitted by the applicant. This time period is calculated from the day USCIS receives the National Interest Waiver application form. Since L-1 applicants can apply for expedited processing services, the review of an L-1 application can even be accelerated to obtain results within 15 days.

 

What Services Does AllBelief Law Firm Provide?

  • We will provide you with a complete and clear L-1 application checklist, making all the materials required for L-1 clear at a glance.

  • We will help you collect and organize your application materials.

  • We will clearly answer all your questions related to your application.

  • We will help you revise your latest resume.

  • We will help you categorize and organize materials that need to be translated.

  • We will guide you in completing degree certification and writing expert testimonial letters (if applicable).

  • We will provide you with a support person questionnaire, and collect and write supporting letter-related factual evidence.

  • We will write three letters of support for you.

  • We will customize an industry plan for your upcoming professional work in the U.S.

  • We will analyze your qualifications and contributions in your field, prepare relevant legal arguments, emphasize your professional level, and draft your application.

  • We will help you fill out and submit Form I-129, the main application form, and any other forms services you have selected.

  • We will help you answer questions from the U.S. Immigration Bureau, and also provide training for you to attend the green card interview.
     

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