USA Intracompany Transfer Visa (L1)

A USA L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices. Its importance lies in facilitating the movement of skilled professionals within multinational organizations, enhancing business operations and global coordination. This visa is used by managers, executives, and employees with specialized knowledge. The L1 visa benefits include the ability to bring family members, potential for obtaining a green card, and fostering business growth in the U.S. Overall, it supports international business development and workforce mobility.

Overview

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  • Transfer of Key Personnel: Facilitates the transfer of managers, executives, and employees with specialized knowledge to the U.S. office.

  • Dual Intent: The L1 visa allows for dual intent, meaning you can apply for a green card while on an L1 visa.

  • Spouse Employment: Spouses of L1 visa holders can work in the U.S. using an L2 visa.

  • Longer Duration: The L1 visa can be extended up to seven (7) years, allowing for a longer stay in the U.S.

Why Apply and Benefits

  • L1A Visa (for Managers and Executives): You must have worked for the company outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the past three years in a managerial or executive capacity.

  • L1B Visa (for Employees with Specialized Knowledge): You must have worked for the company outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the past three years and possess specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other critical operations.

  • Parent Company: The U.S. company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (e.g., parent and subsidiary, branch and headquarters, sister companies owned by a mutual parent, or affiliates owned by the same or people in approximately the same percentages).

  • Active Business: The U.S. company must be actively doing business and have been operating for at least one year.

Eligibility

  • Petition Filing: The U.S. employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The processing time for this step can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

  • Approval of Petition: Once the petition is filed, USCIS will review and make a decision (approve/reject the petition). The average time to get petition approved is around 8-12 weeks.

  • Visa Application: If the petition is approved by USCIS, the employee will then need to go through consular processing. They can apply for the L1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

  • Schedule an Interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

  • Prepare Supporting Documents: Gather necessary documents, including your passport, Form I-797 (Notice of Action), employment verification, and any other required documents.

  • Attend the Visa Interview: Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

  • Fingerprinting: Provide your fingerprints at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

  • Visa Issuance: Wait for the visa processing to be completed. If the employee’s interview is successful, they will be issued an L1 visa. The processing time for this step can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Apply

  • Valid Passport with atleast 6 months of validity

  • Form I-797 (Notice of Action)

  • Employment Verification Letter

  • Proof of Specialized Knowledge or Managerial / Executive Role

  • Evidence of ties to your home country (example: Property, Family, Job, etc.)

  • Evidence of Proof of Funds to cover your expenses during your stay

  • Letter of Invitation covering the details of your stay, details of sponsors and their address/contact number.

  • Travel Itinerary and Accommodation Details (if applicable)

Documents Required

  • USA L1 Visa Application Fee: USD $190.

  • L1 Premium Processing Fee: To get quick response from USCIS within 15 calendar days, a fee of USD $2,500 is applicable. This fee is paid in addition to the standard government filing fees.

  • Attorney Fees: Varies, On average, it ranges between USD $4,000 to USD $6,000.

  • Verleap Consulting Fee: INR 2,50,000 INR 1,99,999 (USD $2,350)

  • Processing Time: The processing time for an L1 visa can vary, typically takes about 12-16 Weeks.

Visa & Other Fees + Processing Time

The Verleap team provides the best solutions & will assist you with your USA Intracompany Transfer Visa.

  • Evaluate the appropriate visa type for your application

  • Provide expert guidance, review your documentation, assessment & feasibility, opportunities and next steps.

  • Assist in filling out online application form(s) & Visa Application Process.

  • Assign you a dedicated Account Manager / Case Officer.

  • Closely work with USCIS Registered Attorney on your application.

How Verleap Can Assist