Information About L1 Visa

Types of L1 Visas and Application Procedures

There are two subcategories of L-1 visa and these are:

L-1A visa that is meant for managers and executives

This visa is valid for seven years, after which the holder can only qualify for the L-1 status by working abroad for the parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of the corporation in the US for at least one year.

L-1B visa meant for workers who have specialized knowledge

This visa has a five-year validity period. After the visa has run out, the applicant can only qualify for L-1 status once more if they have worked abroad for the parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of a U.S. company for at least a year. 

There are two types of procedures for L-1:

1. Regular L-1 visa which has to be applied for the individual and approved by the USCIS.
   1. This visa can be procured by filing a petition with USCIS.
2. Blanket L-1 visa is provided to those candidates that meet specific criteria. The USCIS would have already decided the company's eligibility hence the applicant will only have to provide a copy of the blanket petition that has been approved along with necessary documents.

Requirements for L1 Visa

There are a number of basic requirements for L1 Visa and there are also certain specific necessities that are applicable to employers and employees.

The basic requirements include:

1. The U.S company(branch, subsidiary, etc.) petitioning for the visa, must have a qualifying relationship with the parent company.
2. There must be enough physical space for a new office (if applicable).
3. For the entire period of the visa holder's stay in the States, the company that petitioned for this visa must be engaged in business as an employer in the States and a minimum of one other country.

Requirements for Employee – L-1A

1. The employee should have worked overseas for a company for a minimum period of one continuous year within three years prior to his/her admission to the States.
2. Employee must have been in the managerial or executive position in order to qualify.
3. Employee must be going to the States in order to provide his/her services in a managerial or executive capacity for a qualifying organization such as a branch of the employer.
4. The holder of this visa must have intentions to depart the country after completion of the stay.

Requirements for Employee – L-1B

1. The employee must have worked overseas for a company for a minimum period of one continuous year within 3 years prior to his/her admission to the States.
2. The employee will have to work with the company to provide specialized services to the qualifying organization
3. Visa holder must intend to leave the country after completion of work.

How to Apply for an L1 Visa?

In order to apply for an L-1 visa, the following steps will have to be adhered to:

Step 1: A petition will have to be filed with USCIS or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services on Form I-129.

Step 2: Supporting documents proving that the company in the U.S.A and the foreign subsidiary, parent or branch meets the qualifying requirements.

Step 3: Approval of Form I-129 will be provided by USCIS on Form I-797, Notice of Action and this can used as a basis of application by the alien who will be allowed to apply for issuance of visa at consulate or embassy of the U.S.A.

Step 4: Applicants who are already in the States during the filing of I-129 can ask for a change in status from non-immigrant.

Step 5: Spouse and children of the applicant may receive L-2 visas. Read More L2 Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Documents Required for L1 Visa

The following documents are required for L-1 visa:

1. Current and old passports(if any)
2. Recent passport size photograph
3. Filled in Form DS-160
4. Interview appointment letter (original and photocopy)
5. Receipt number of I-129 petition along with a physical copy
6. Visa issuance fee demand draft
7. Work experience letters from previous employers
8. Certificates of training undertaken, degree (original with photocopy)
9. Resume
10. Bank records for previous six months
11. Information regarding the U.S company
12. Photographs of place of employment
13. Contact details of two coworkers from previous jobs

L1 Visa Fees and Cost Breakdown

The Fee Applicable for L-1 Visa is as follows:

1. Filing fee of $460
2. In case individuals require premium processing, then an additional fee of $1,225 will have to be paid.
3. Detection and Fraud Prevention fee of $500
4. An additional fee of $2,250 may be applicable based on circumstances