In order to qualify the relationship between the two companies must be parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary.
L-1 Visa
What type of organization qualifies?
The organization can be a corporation, company, partnership, association, trust, foundation or fund and includes a group of persons, whether or not incorporated, permanently or temporarily associated together. The organization can be for profit, nonprofit, religious or charitable.
Does there have to be a relationship between the U.S. and foreign company?
Yes. The relationship between the two companies must be either parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary.
What is an intra-company transfer?
The transfer of a manager or executive or ‘specialized knowledge’ worker from a foreign company to its U.S. parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary.
How long is the L-1 petition valid for after approval?
An L-1 petition is valid for the period of validity requested by the U.S. employer. If the U.S. employer is a new office then the period of validity will initially be 1 year and thereafter for 2 year increments. There is a 7 year maximum for managers and executives and 5 years for ‘specialized knowledge’… Read More
How long does it take the USCIS to process an L-1 petition?
After the L-1 petition is filed, the USCIS will issue a receipt notice. After reviewing the L-1 petition, if all the conditions and specifications are met, the USCIS will issue an approval notice. Currently, the approval process for an L-1 petition is 3-6 months from filing. The L-1 petition may be filed along with a… Read More
What is the government filing fee for an L-1 petition?
At present, the filing fee is $325. In addition, the USCIS collects a Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee of $500. We have provided a complete list of fees applicable to the L-1 process on our L-1 visa fees page.
Do I file the L-1 petition by itself or are other forms required?
The L-1 petition is filed along with the L Classification Supplement to Form I-129.
Can I own the company and file an L-1 petition on my behalf?
An employer/employee relationship is required. As such, the USCIS has taken the position that an owner of a company can file a petition on his or her behalf in very limited circumstances. If an employer/employee relationship can be demonstrated then the L-1 petition can be approved.
Can a foreign company or individual file an L-1 petition?
No. The petitioner must be a U.S. employer.