1.      What is the purpose of an L1 visa?

  • An L1 visa serves as a non-immigrant pathway for companies to relocate employees from their overseas branches to their United States-based offices.

2.      What categorizations do L1 visas come in?

  • L1 visas are divided into two primary categories: L1A, tailored for managers and executives, and L1B, designed for individuals with specialized knowledge.

3.      What prerequisites must applicants fulfill for an L1 visa?

  • Eligibility mandates that the applicant must have worked at the foreign entity of the company for a continuous year within the preceding three years. Additionally, a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign entities is required.

4.      Define a qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign entities.

  • A qualifying relationship can manifest as a parent-company, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch association between the U.S. and foreign entities.

5.      How long can L1 visa holders initially stay in the U.S.?

  • For L1A visa holders, who encompass managers and executives, the initial stay period extends up to three years. L1B visa holders, those with specialized knowledge, are granted up to five years initially.

6.      Can L1 visa holders sponsor their dependents' stay in the U.S.?

  • Indeed, L1 visa holders can bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the United States. Dependents are eligible to apply for L2 visas, enabling them to study and work within the U.S.

7.      Do L1 visa holders have a pathway to permanent residency?

  • Yes, L1 visa holders may pursue permanent residency, or a Green Card, through employment-based immigration routes, provided they meet the requisite criteria.

8.      What is a Request for Evidence (RFE) within the context of L1 visa applications?

  • An RFE is a formal request from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) seeking additional documentation or information to bolster an L1 visa application. Prompt and comprehensive responses are crucial.

9.      What is the typical processing duration for L1 visa applications?

  • Processing durations for L1 visa applications are contingent upon the specific service center and individual circumstances, typically spanning several months from application submission to visa issuance.

10.  Are L1 visa holders permitted to change employers within the U.S.?

  • While L1 visa holders are typically tied to their sponsoring employer, they may seek employment changes within the same company or its affiliates subsequent to securing requisite approvals.