FAQ: What Is The Difference Between A Blanket L1 Visa And An L1a?

An L1 blanket visa petition allows companies to transfer many employees to the US quickly and on short notice. L1 Individual Visa is applicable to transfer a single individual. L1 visa petition can be applied for each individual separately. L1 Blanket Visa is applicable to transfer multiple employees together.

What is blanket L1A visa?

The L-1 visa blanket petition program allows U.S.-based organizations to petition the USCIS to bring several foreign employees to the United States quickly and on short notice. It is a single visa petition that eliminates the need to file separate L-1 petitions for each of the qualified employees.

Which visa is better L1A or L1B?

If you’re a manager, executive, or business owner, an L1A visa can grant you a stay for as long as 7 years. If you’re an employee with specialized skills and knowledge, an L1B visa grants you a stay for as long as 5 years.

How long does it take to get L-1 blanket visa?

Usually 2-4 months for a normal L1 visa, Payment of the premium processing fee of $2,500 will substantially reduce processing time. 1-3 weeks for an L1 covered by a blanket approval.

What type of visa is L1A?

The L-1A visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions in a company that is located outside the United States. The L-1B visa is for intracompany transferees who work in positions requiring specialized knowledge.

Why L1A blanket visa gets rejected?

Salary standards. Another major reason an l1 visa is denied is when the wages proposed for the visa applicant are significantly more or less than the standards for that industry in the US. Employers should carefully assess the prevailing wages based on industry and state-specific location.

How long is the blanket L petition valid?

The Blanket L is initially valid for 3 years. The Blanket L can be extended indefinitely. Each employee who enters in L-1 status may be approved a three year term, renewable up to seven years for L-1A Managers and Executives, or five years for L-1B specialized knowledge employees.

How long does it take to get a green card from L1A visa?

Unlike the process for an L1B visa, which can take several years to complete, the time it takes to update your L1A to a green card is fairly short. In most cases, the green card process takes less than one year. The L1A visa is a great starting place if you or your family are interested in living in the United States.

Can I move from L1B to L1A?

To move into a managerial or executive position, you can file for Change of Status from L1B to L1A visa status. The petition for Change of Status must be approved at least 6 months before the L-1 employee reaches the 5-year maximum for L-1B status. Only your employer can apply for Change of Status on your behalf.

Can I start a business on L1 visa?

It is, in fact, illegal for all L-1 visa applicants to start their own businesses in the United States or to begin work for an employer other than the one listed on the L-1 application at time of approval and entry into the United States.

Is L1 visa difficult to get?

Not just the H1B Visa; it is getting increasingly difficult to even get the L1 Visa. The refusal rate for both the L1A and L1B Visas have increased in recent times. The L1A Visa is for Managers and Executives while the L1B Visa is for workers with specialized expertise.

How long can you stay in US after L1 visa expires?

There is a seven-year maximum stay for L-1A visa holders and a five-year maximum stay for L-1B visa holders. Once you have reached your maximum stay, you may not extend your L-1 visa again, until you have been outside of the U.S. for at least one year.

Is L1 visa considered permanent resident?

The L1 visa is a dual intent visa, which means that visa holders are not precluded from seeking residency in the United States. Hence, holders of L1 visas and their dependents may apply for permanent residency in the United States without putting their current visas in jeopardy.

How does an L1 visa work?

L-1 visa allows companies to open a US operation for the transfer of its executives, managers and specialized employees. L-1-B visa is for specialized employees, who have essential specialist skills or knowledge. In either case, it is the employer (“petitioning employer”) that submits the visa application.

Can you switch jobs on L1A visa?

Can I transfer or change jobs on an L-1 visa? Yes, you may transfer employment or change jobs but only to another location with the same company, or to another affiliated company in the United States. You must notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any significant changes in your employment.