Yes. The immigration regulations do not require a U.S. employer to use the services of an attorney.
L-1 Visa
How long can the foreign worker remain in L-1 status?
If the foreign worker is a manager or executive s/he may be admitted in L-1A status for a maximum of 7 years. If the foreign worker is a ‘specialized knowledge’ worker s/he may be admitted for a maximum of 5 years.
Can the foreign worker’s child(ren) work in the United States?
No.
Can the foreign worker’s spouse work in the United States?
Yes. The foreign worker’s spouse is eligible to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) which will be granted for a period not to exceed 2 years. The EAD is renewable as long as the spouse remains in valid L-2 status.
What is the procedure when the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) arrive in the United States?
The foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) must enter the United States during the validity period of the L-2 visa. Upon arrival in the United States, the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) will be questioned by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer who will review the L-2 visa. The CBP officer will create an Arrival/Departure… Read More
Can the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) change status to L-2 status in the United States?
Yes. If the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) entered the United States in a different nonimmigrant visa category (i.e. visitor); were present in the United States in valid nonimmigrant status when the L-1 petition was approved; and a filed an application to change status from the nonimmigrant status to L-2 status, then the foreign worker’s… Read More
Can the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) enter and exit the United States with an L-2 visa?
Yes. Assuming the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) possess a machine readable L-2 visa in their passport, s/he can enter and exit the United States during the validity period of the visa (the foreign worker must also continue to be employed by the L-1 U.S. employer).
What if the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) are outside the United States at the time the USCIS approves the L-1 petition?
The foreign worker ‘s spouse and/or child(ren) must proceed to the United States embassy or consulate in their native country to obtain an L-2 visa before s/he will be admitted to the United States. If the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) already possess an L-2 visa then s/he can enter the United States once the… Read More
How does the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) obtain an L-2 visa?
Assuming the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) are outside the United States and require an L-2 visa to enter, after approval of the L-1 petition by the USCIS, the foreign worker’s spouse and/or child(ren) must proceed to the United States embassy or consulate in their native country to obtain an L-2 visa before s/he will… Read More
Does the foreign worker have to be in the United States for the L-1 petition to be approved?
No.