Intra-Company Transferees (L-1A Visa/L-1B Visa)
L-1A Visa/L-1B Visa Definition:
The intra-company transfer of international managers, executives, and persons with specialized knowledge from a foreign company to a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or branch of the foreign company in the U.S. This is known as the L1A visa (also written L-1A visa). The L1B visa (aka L-1B visa) is also available for the intra-company transfer of persons with specialized knowledge but does not allow permanent residence.
To Qualify for a L-1A Visa/L-1B Visa:
- The L1A visa and L1B visa applicant must have worked for the foreign company as an executive, manager, or employee with specialized knowledge for at least one full-time year in the past three years before the intra-company transfer.
- A related company in the US must exist or be established.
- The foreign company must actively be carrying on business and have other employees to assume the L1A visa and L1B applicant's role while that person is in the US
L-1A Visa/L-1B Visa Length:
A L1A visa or a L1B visa is valid for one or three years (depending on the age of the US company) with extensions possible in two-year increments. The maximum stay for managers or executives is seven years (five for specialized knowledge employees).
Advantages L-1A Visa/L-1B Visa:
For L1A visa managers or executives, an application for a permanent visa can be made after the US company has been in existence for at least one year (not available to L1B visa specialized knowledge employees).
Gerstein & Baret, P.L.
3007 W Commercial Boulevard, Suite 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309-8501 USA
(954) 486-9966
(888) 811-2438 (toll free)
(954) 585-9196
Skype ID: immglaw
info@usaimmigrationlaw.com
Blog: http://usaimmigrationlaw.blogs.com
