At Ozek Law Firm, we specialize in assisting international businesses and professionals with the L1 visa process, specifically the L1A (Executive/Manager) and L1B (Specialized Knowledge) categories. These visas allow multinational companies to transfer key employees from foreign offices to U.S. offices, facilitating smoother international operations and expanding business presence in the United States.

What is the L1 Visa?

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international companies to transfer employees from foreign offices to U.S.-based offices. This visa is beneficial for businesses looking to bring specialized talent or executives/managers to the U.S. to oversee operations, manage teams, or contribute specialized knowledge in their industry. The L1 visa is available in two categories:

• L1A - Executive or Manager Visa: For employees who hold executive or managerial roles in the company and are being transferred to a similar position in the U.S. office.
• L1B - Specialized Knowledge Visa: For employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, or processes who are being transferred to the U.S. to perform duties in a similar capacity.

L1A Visa - Executive and Managerial Transferees

The L1A visa is designed for executives or managers of international companies who are transferring to the U.S. to work in a similar capacity. The L1A visa is ideal for individuals who manage teams, departments, or entire organizations, or those who hold high-level decision-making authority within the company.

Key requirements for the L1A visa include:

• Executive or Managerial Capacity: The employee must be coming to the U.S. to work in an executive or managerial role, such as managing a department or overseeing a major function of the company.
• Previous Employment: The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the last three years before applying for the L1A visa.
• U.S. Company Relationship: The foreign company must have a qualifying relationship with the U.S. company, such as being a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.

L1B Visa - Specialized Knowledge Transferees

The L1B visa is intended for employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s operations, products, or services. This visa category allows companies to bring key employees who possess unique knowledge critical to the business's success in the U.S. market.

Key requirements for the L1B visa include:

• Specialized Knowledge: The employee must possess specialized knowledge that is critical to the company’s operations, such as unique technical expertise, proprietary systems, or business practices.
• Previous Employment: The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the last three years in a position requiring specialized knowledge.
• U.S. Company Relationship: The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company, similar to the L1A category.

The L1 Visa Process

The process of obtaining an L1 visa involves several key steps, and our attorneys are here to ensure that your petition is handled smoothly and efficiently. The typical process includes:

Step 1: L1 Visa Petition Filing

The employer must first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the employee. This petition must include detailed documentation showing the employee's qualifications and the qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign company.

Step 2: USCIS Approval

Once USCIS reviews the petition, they will make a decision. If the petition is approved, the employee can then apply for an L1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad (if they are outside the U.S.) or seek to adjust their status if they are already in the U.S. under a different visa.

Step 3: L1 Visa Interview and Approval

If the employee is applying from abroad, they will attend an interview at a U.S. consulate. During this interview, the consular officer will assess the applicant's eligibility for the L1 visa. If approved, the employee can then enter the U.S. to begin their work with the U.S. company.

Step 4: Work in the U.S. and Extensions

The L1A visa is typically granted for an initial period of one year for new businesses or up to three years for existing companies, with extensions available. L1B visas are granted for up to one year for new businesses and up to five years for established businesses. Extensions can be requested if the employee continues to meet eligibility requirements.

Benefits of the L1 Visa

The L1 visa offers several key benefits for both employers and employees, including:

• Fast-Track Process: The L1 visa process can be faster than other visa categories, especially if the employer qualifies for premium processing.
• Dual Intent: L1 visa holders are allowed to pursue permanent residency (a green card) while on the L1 visa, making it easier to transition to a long-term status if desired.
• Family Benefits: L1 visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old to the U.S. under the L-2 visa category. L-2 visa holders are also permitted to work in the U.S. if they apply for work authorization.

Why Choose Ozek Law Firm for Your L1 Visa Process?

At Ozek Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling L1 visa cases for both employers and employees. We understand the intricacies of the L1 visa process and offer strategic legal guidance to help you navigate the application, ensuring the highest chance of approval.

• Expert Legal Guidance: Our team of immigration attorneys is well-versed in L1 visa requirements and will work with you to ensure all documents are correctly filed and requirements are met.
• Comprehensive Support: We provide end-to-end support, from petition filing to preparing for interviews and extensions, helping clients throughout the entire L1 visa process.
• Client-Focused Approach: We tailor our services to meet your business’s specific needs, ensuring that your company’s key personnel can smoothly transition to the U.S. to contribute to your organization’s growth.

If you are a business seeking to transfer key employees to the U.S. under the L1A or L1B visa category, Ozek Law Firm is here to assist. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your intracompany transfer needs.