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L-1 Visa

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What is the L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa allows international companies to transfer key employees to their offices in the United States. It is designed for executives, managers, or persons with specialized knowledge who have worked for at least one year for a company outside the U.S. and will now be assigned to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in U.S. territory.

It is an ideal option for companies looking to expand to the U.S. or relocate strategic talent.

L-1 Visa Requirements

Applicant Requirements

  • Must have worked for at least 1 year (within the last 3) for the foreign company.
  • Must hold an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge position.
  • Must be transferred to a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the U.S.

Company Requirements:

  • Legal and operational existence in the country of origin.
  • Must have or be in the process of opening an entity in the U.S. with clear corporate ties.
  • Must demonstrate capacity to maintain operations in both countries.

Processing Times

  • Case Preparation: 2 to 4 weeks.
  • USCIS Processing (Form I-129): 2 to 6 months.
  • Premium Processing (optional): 15 business days.
  • Initial Duration: 1 year if it is a new office in the U.S. or Up to 3 years if the office is already established.
  • Extensions: Up to a maximum of 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B).

Who can apply?

  • Executives and managers (L-1A).
  • Employees with specialized knowledge (L-1B).
  • Foreign companies wishing to open operations in the U.S.
  • Multinationals with already established offices in both countries.

Check the list of eligible countries for the E-2 Visa

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can enter with you under the L-2 status.
  • Your spouse can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
  • Your children can study, but not work.

L-1 Visa Benefits

  • Allows key talent to be legally transferred to the U.S.
  • You can include your spouse and children.
  • The spouse can work legally for any company.
  • Can be used as a basis to apply for the Green Card (EB-1C).
  • Ideal for international business expansion.

Required Documents

  • Proof of corporate ties between both companies.
  • Evidence of active operation in the country of origin and in the U.S.
  • Transfer letter and job description.
  • Proof of employee experience.
  • Business plan (if it is a new office).
  • Forms I-129 and L-Supplement.
  • Passports, employment, and academic records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply if the company does not yet have an office in the U.S.?
Yes. You can do so while demonstrating solid plans to establish it, including a business plan, contracts, and initial capital.
No. You can only work for the company that transferred you.
Yes. The L-1A is an excellent path to the EB-1C Green Card.
L-1A is for managers and executives (up to 7 years). L-1B is for personnel with specialized knowledge (up to 5 years).

How do we help you at Amerigo?

At Amerigo Legal Group we help you with:
  • 1. Eligibility assessment for the L-1A or L-1B.
  • 2. Business expansion or transfer strategy.
  • 3. Complete documentation preparation.
  • 4. Assistance in opening the company in the U.S.
  • 5. Follow-up until approval and support for your family.

Do you want to expand your business to the U.S.?

Schedule a free evaluation and we will help you structure your L-1 application step by step.
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