Intra Company Transferee: L Visa
The Intra-Company Transferee (L-1) Visa is a non-immigrant visa category issued by the United States for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a U.S.-based branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. Here’s an overview of the L-1 Visa:
Purpose: The L-1 visa is designed to facilitate the transfer of key employees within multinational companies to the United States for temporary work assignments. It allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees to U.S.-based offices to fill specific roles or provide expertise.
Types of L-1 Visas: There are two main types of L-1 visas:
- L-1A Visa: This visa is for executives and managers being transferred to a U.S.-based branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. Executives and managers must primarily manage the organization or a major function or department within the organization.
- L-1B Visa: This visa is for employees with specialized knowledge being transferred to a U.S.-based branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. Specialized knowledge employees possess specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, research, techniques, or management.
Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for an L-1 visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be an employee of a multinational company that has a qualifying relationship with a U.S.-based entity (e.g., branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company).
- Have been employed by the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the preceding three years.
- Be transferring to the United States to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
- Provide evidence of the multinational company’s business relationship and ongoing operations in both the home country and the United States.
It’s important to note that L-1 visa holders are generally allowed to bring their dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old) to the United States on L-2 visas. L-2 visa holders are eligible to study in the United States and may apply for work authorization.
The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining an L-1 visa may vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the nature of the multinational company’s operations. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or the designated employer’s legal counsel for guidance on the L-1 visa application process.