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The L-1 visa is a visa that enables non-immigrant companies utilizing in the US and overseas that potential the temporary transfer of foreign contenders to work in the United States. The L-1 visa is lined up for those who tenanted management or executive positions or have specialized knowledge critical to the company’s operation. The L-1 visa is a popular choice for multinational companies to transfer key personnel to the United States, allowing them to manage operations, oversee projects, and share specialized knowledge while maintaining the company’s global presence
The L-1 visa is divided into two main categories: L-1A and L-1B, each serving specific types of roles:
The L-1A visa is the category for managers and executives who are being transferred to a U.S. office that is a subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent company of the foreign employer.
To qualify for L-1A classification in this category, the employer must:
• Have a qualifying relationship with a foreign company (parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate, collectively referred as qualifying organization); and
• Currently be, or will be, doing business as an employer in the United States and in at least one other country directly or through a qualifying organization for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States as an L-1. While the business must be viable, there is no requirement that it be engaged in international trade.
The L-1B visa is the category for employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred to a U.S. office of the same multinational company. Specialized knowledge typically refers to advanced knowledge or expertise in the company’s products, processes, technology, or other areas.
Requirements for an L-1B visa
• Have a qualifying relationship with a foreign company (parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate, collectively referred to as qualifying organisations); and
• Currently be, or will be, doing business as an employer in the United States and in at least on other country directly or through a qualifying organization for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States as an L-1. While the business must be viable, there is no requirement that it be engage in international trade.
The L-1 visa accede you to stay in the US for 3 years. You can register for an augmentation so long as the total period you reside in the US on an L-1 visa does not exceed 5 years if L-1B or 7 years if L-1B.
Your stay might be cut short if the employer you are working for decides to terminate you. When this is the case, the employer is legally required to pay your return transportation costs. However, you must bear these costs if you choose to resign.
Your accompanying family members are eligible to stay with you in the US. for the full duration of your L-1 visa.
The initial validity of the L-1A visa is three years. A person may request two renewals and be granted up to two extensions, each lasting two years. As a result, those with an L-1 visa are permitted to stay in the country for seven years. You can only be granted an L-1B visa extension for five years
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can come with you to the U.S. if you have an eligible L-1A or L-1B visa. The family members can associate you at the time you first arrive in US with you r L-1 visa. Alternatively, they can join you later. In case, they may do so only after their L-2 visa application is approved. We will assist with the visa application for your spouse and children at your preferred US consulate with your L-1 approval notice. However, you will need to file a separate employment authorization l-765 petition for your spouse seeking to work in the US.
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can come with you to the U.S. if you have an eligible L-1A or L-1B visa. The family members can associate you at the time you first arrive in US with you r L-1 visa. Alternatively, they can join you later. In case, they may do so only after their L-2 visa application is approved. We will assist with the visa application for your spouse and children at your preferred US consulate with your L-1 approval notice. However, you will need to file a separate employment authorization l-765 petition for your spouse seeking to work in the US.
Going from an L1 visa to an EB1C green card is a 2-step process. First, your immigration lawyer will file a Form I-140, also called the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. Second, your immigration lawyer will file a Form I-485, also called the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. L-1 visa holders living in the US can apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process form l-485. Thos e outside the US will apply via consular processing at the US embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
At Adam Bernards we provide consular assistance for all the categories of US visas. Consular services give you ease of processing for a lesser fee and for a quicker processing timeframe in contrast to USCIS filings. However, it is imperative you choose the firm that has gained substantial experience in consular based services. We analyse and strategize your concern deeply and translate them into the services providing you with a percentage of chance of success of your applications. We are transparent with the processes and make our clients aware of their case status at every stage in the process. We are thoroughly dedicated to our clients needs and in achieving the best outcome for our clients.
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