L-1A Visa
From anywhere in the World
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HR at IBM
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“EasyFiling made starting my US business a breeze! The process was straightforward, and the customer support was top-notch. I highly recommend EasyFiling to any non-resident looking to establish a business in the US.”
Director at MasterCard
“EasyFiling is a highly recommended service for non-residents looking to start a US business, with a simple process, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer support. It is a modern, founder-friendly alternative to other services, providing a streamlined and secure way to incorporate your business in the US and reap the benefits of operating on US soil.”
Ceo at Gillette
“As a non-resident, I found EasyFiling to be the most reliable and cost-effective option for starting my US business. The team’s expertise and support were invaluable in ensuring a smooth process.”
How it works
What information is typically found in an L-1A Visa?
Exploring the Standard Contents of an L-1A Visa
L-1A Visa
Introduction
L1-A visa is a great option for multinational companies seeking to transfer their executives and managers to the United States. This visa is especially useful when trying to establish new offices in the U.S. If you are an employee of a foreign company and have been offered a managerial or executive position at a new U.S. office, it is important to understand the requirements and process of obtaining an L-1A visa.
Understanding the L-1A Visa
The L-1A Visa permits transference of key personnel by foreign companies into their US operations. It applies to people who will be performing managerial or executive functions as well as situations where foreign companies wish to open new offices in the US.
Requirements for the L-1A Visa
Both you and your employer must meet certain criteria for qualify an L-1A visa:
Employee Requirements:
- You should have been working with that company from abroad within three years prior to application for not less than one year continuously.
- Your previous job must have been of management or supervisory nature.
- You must come to America in order to work as a manager or executive officer.
Employer Requirements:
- Qualifying relationships like parent-subsidiary or affiliate exist between U.S. Company and foreign company.
- U.S. enterprise should be engaged in active business or planning for future business operations within its physical space accommodations secured for this new office.
- The American firm has to make a valid employment offer, file a petition with USCIS on behalf of the worker using form I-129 that includes supplement L (Instructions), pay appropriate fees if any, properly sign all forms, provide supporting documentation required by specific instructions, etc.
Special Considerations for Opening a New Office
Opening up new business premises requires additional measures when applying for an L-1A visa:
Physical Premises: The U.S. company must indicate that they have enough physical premises for the new office.
Business Plan: For better understanding of the nature and structure of this new firm, describe its scope of operations, financial plans including projections for at least 1 year, etc. The plan should also provide a financial section with forecasts and a staff projection detailing how many employees the American company will hire in year one.
Doing Business Standard: Within one year from visa approval, US operation must reach “doing business” standard meaning that it should engage in regular provision of goods or services in a systematic manner and on a continuous basis.
Initial Duration: Initially, L-1A visa is given to a new office for one year only but with possible extensions. So before it elapses during which time there is no longer available managerial position within such company, an extension must be sought through another filing by the company.
Benefits
Advantages of the L-1A Visa
Unlocking the Advantages of L-1A Visa
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the L-1A Visa
The initial validity period for the L-1A visa is up to three years. However, it can be extended in two-year increments, with a maximum total stay of seven years.
Yes, L-1A visa holders can pursue permanent residency in the U.S. through the EB-1C immigrant classification for multinational executives and managers. This classification is often considered advantageous due to its relatively straightforward process and exemption from labor certification requirements.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can join you in the U.S. on L-2 visas. L-2 spouses are eligible to apply for work authorization, allowing them to work in the U.S. once approved.
While both are L-1 visas, the L-1A is specifically for transferring executives and managers, while the L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge.
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