Quick Answer: What Is L1 Visa Requirements?

To qualify for an L1 visa the employee, which can include business owners, must have worked for a subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of the US company outside of the US for at least one year out of the last three years. One of the benefits of the L1 visa is that there is no quota.

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.

What are the chances of getting L1 visa?

The approval rate for L-1 visas has been on the decline (see graphic). In fiscal 2015 (12-month period ended September 30, 2015), as many as 33,454 L-1 visas were approved with a success rate of 84%. The approval rate declined to 72% in fiscal 2019 with only 29,335 approvals being granted.

How can I get L1 visa for USA?

How to Apply for the L1 Visa?

1. Get a transfer offer.
2. Filing Form I-129.
3. Employer must pay the fees.
4. File Form DS-160.
5. Pay the L1 visa application fee.
6. Schedule your L1 visa interview.
7. Submit your L1 visa documents.
8. Attend your interview.

How long are L-1A visa good for?

The L-1A visa has an initial period of stay of three years. Individuals can apply for renewals and may receive two extensions granted in two-year increments. This means individuals on an L-1A visa can remain in the U.S. for a total of seven years.

Which one is better H1B or L-1?

H1B has stringent requirements while L1 Visa is more suitable for multinationals and is less time consuming than H1B visas. Also, L-1 and H-1B have ˜dual intent in that visa holders in both categories can aim for green card while staying as a nonimmigrant in the United States.

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 apply for L1 visa now?

It should be filed at least 45 days before the employees start date and cannot be filed more than six months before employment begins. Submit the supporting documents evidencing that both the US company and the parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office abroad are lawful.

Can a spouse work on a L1 visa?

Q: I have a L1 visa, can my spouse and dependent, who have a L2 visa work in USA? A: Yes, your spouse and children under age 21 can have an L2 Visa and get a work permit to work in USA as long as your L1 visa is valid.

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.

How much does an l1a visa cost?

To apply for your L1 visa, you are required to File a Form DS-160 with the Department of State. The filing fee for a DS-160 for an L1 visa is $190 per applicant. The L1 beneficiary is responsible for paying this fee (L1 worker).

How long does L1 processing take?

Standard L-1 visa processing usually takes between 6 to 12 months. This includes processing of the I-129 petition, which can take up to six months, and consulate processing which can be expected to take up to six months or longer.

Does L1 visa require degree?

There is no education requirement for the L1 visa. H1B applicants must have at least a US bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the role must be in a specialty occupation which requires the qualification. L1 is dual intent, meaning immigrants can apply for a Green Card while in the US on an L1 visa.

What happens after 5 years of L1 visa?

Typically, an L1 visa is initially granted for a 3-year period with 2-year extensions available (2 extensions available for L1A and 1 extension available for L1B). Once an L1 visa beneficiary has reached their 5 or 7-year limit, they must be outside of the US for at least 1 year before they can reapply for an L1 visa.

What is the difference between H1B and L1 visa?

H1B Visas are for those candidates who are planning to work as a professional for a US based company or organization, whereas L1 Visas are for candidates who already work for a foreign branch of a US-based company, or are planning to open operations in the US of a foreign-based company.

Can I drive Uber on L1 visa?

You can only perform the services and activities as stated in the FORM I-129L and only on behalf of the petitioning employer. Performing services as a driver for UBER will violate your L-1 status.