America’s Leading L-1 Visa & Immigration lawyers

L-1 VISA.

The L1 visa enables a US employer to transfer an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee from a qualifying foreign entity to the US entity.

There are two types of L1:

  • The L1A is for executives and managers
  • The L1B is for employees with specialized knowledge.

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Davies & Associates, LLC - US Immigration lawyer

Why Choose an L1 visa

Benefits of L1 Visa

No Quotas: Unlike some other visa categories there are no annual limits on the number of visas available to certain countries.

Family: L1 Visa holders are permitted to take their spouses and dependent children with them to the United States on the L-2 visa.

Work Authorisation: Spouses are permitted to apply for work authorization once they enter the US to work for any US employer.

Tax Advantage: The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means it does not offer permanent residency (Green Card). While Green Card holders may be taxed on worldwide income, non-immigrant visa holders are generally not. (You should still consult a tax professional if you want to make sure that you will not be considered a US tax resident)

Fast Processing Times: Average processing time is between 3-6 months. Premium Processing is also available by paying an additional fee of $2,500. With the premium processing, USCIS is required to respond with 15 business days.

Transition to Green Card: It is possible to transition to a Green Card through the L-1A visa category. The criteria for L-1A is very similar with the criteria for EB-1C category for Multinational Managers or Executives, which makes it easier for L-1A holders to become permanent residents. The L1 visa category is also considered a dual intent visa.


L1 Visa lawyers

+20 Years Of Experience in L1 Visa Legal Services

A substantial part of our practice focuses on assisting business owners and investors with E1, E2, L1 and EB5 visas.

Through our international presence we have specialist knowledge of the specific procedures in multiple embassies and consulates around-the-world.

While there can never be any guarantees, our firm has helped hundreds of clients successfully relocate to the United States on the L1 Visa with a 100% success rate.

L1 Visa FAQs

What is L1 Visa in USA?

The L1 visa enables a US employer to transfer an executive, manager or specialized knowledge employee from a qualifying foreign entity to the US entity. You can transfer staff to either the existing US business or to a newly established business. So, if you do not yet have a business operating in the United States you are permitted to set one up and move staff under the “new-office L1 visa route”. The size and sector of your existing foreign business does not matter, provided we can establish a qualifying relationship with your new US business. There are two types of L1 visa: The L1-A visa is for executives and managers and the L-1B visa visa is for employees with specialized knowledge.

Can spouse work on L1 Visa?

Yes, the spouse of an L1 visa holder can work in the United States by obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD allows the spouse to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions.

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How to get L1 Visa for USA from India?

– Check your eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the L1 visa category. You must have worked for a qualifying multinational company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
– Obtain a job offer: You must have a job offer from a U.S.-based employer with a qualifying relationship with your current employer.
– File a petition: Your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS on your behalf. This includes providing evidence of the qualifying relationship between the two companies, as well as your qualifications and job duties.
– Attend an interview: You will need to attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. You will need to bring all relevant documentation, such as your passport, visa application, and supporting evidence.
– Wait for a decision: After the interview, you will need to wait for a decision on your L1 visa application. If approved, you will receive your visa and be able to travel to the United States.

Can I apply for L1 Visa while in USA?

If you are currently in the US on a different visa status, you may need to file a change of status application along with your L1 visa petition. This process involves submitting a Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If your petition is approved, you will be granted L1 status and can work for the qualifying US employer.

Is L1 immigrant Visa?

No. The L1 is a nonimmigrant visa.

Can L1 Visa apply for Green Card?

Yes, it is possible for individuals on an L1 visa to apply for a green card, which would give them permanent residency status in the United States. However, the process of obtaining a green card can be complex and time-consuming.
One common way for L1 visa holders to apply for a green card is through their employer. The employer can sponsor the employee for a green card by filing a petition on their behalf, typically through either the EB-2 or EB-3 employment-based immigration categories. The employee would then have to go through a rigorous application process, including demonstrating that they meet the requirements for the specific green card category they are applying under.
Another option for L1 visa holders seeking a green card is to apply through a family-based immigration category. For example, if the L1 visa holder is married to a U.S. citizen, their spouse could sponsor them for a green card through the marriage-based immigration category.
It is recommended that individuals seeking a green card consult with an experienced immigration attorney for guidance on the best strategy for their specific situation.

Does L1 Visa require special knowledge justification?

The L1 category has two sub-categories. L1A for managers and executives and L1B for specialized knowledge employees.

Is birth certificate required for L1 Visa?

No. Birth certificate is not required.

Is marriage certificate required for L1 Visa?

Marriage certificate is required for the spouse to apply as dependent.

Can L2 Visa holder travel to us without L1?

The L1 visa holder and the L2 visa holder do not have to travel together. The L2 visa holder can still travel to the US without the principal L1 visa holder.

How long L1 Visa to green card?

Qualifying to transition from L1 to green card based on a EB1C petition for multinational managers and executives depend on whether the US company can clearly elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position.

How long after L1 Visa to green card?

The US company must be operating for at least one full year to file an EB1C/green card petition, but more importantly, the US company must be able to elevate the beneficiary to a managerial or executive position by creating a robust organizational structure.

How much time does L1 Visa processing takes?

First step is to get the petition approved by USCIS. With premium processing, the petition can be approved in 15 days. After getting the approval, the next step is to apply for the visa at the Embassy. Availability of appointments varies per Embassy or Consulate. Upon approval of the visa application, it could take 5 to 7 days to get the visa.

L1 VISA – Temporary work & residence permit

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