General information:
The L-1 Visa is designed for Executives, Managers, or Employees with Specialized Knowledge of a Non-US company who are being transferred in order to work for the company’s branch, subsidiary or affiliation in the United States. There is no limit on the number of visas that may be issued every year. Visas are initially issued for a period of up to three years and may be extended for up to seven years (as long as the company is still in business and all the above requirements are met). Employees in managerial or executive positions may be eligible to pursue a Green Card application without applying for a Labor Certification. You must have been working at the Non-US company for at least one year in the past three years in the same or similar position you are coming to perform in the U.S. A Bachelor Degree is not required. Your spouse and unmarried children fewer than 21 will be entitled to L-2 Derivative status and your spouse may apply for a work permit.

Visa Applications:
All L-1 applications are filed by the US employer at the appropriate USCIS Office. If you are outside the US and your application is approved you will have to apply for an L-1 Visa at the US Consulate in your country of residence. If you are already in the US on a different status you may be eligible for a Change of Status to L-1. However, if you leave the US you will have to apply for an L-1 Visa at a US Consulate in order to be admitted again in this status.

Extension of Stay in the US and Change of Status:
When you come to the US with an L-1 Visa, the Immigration Officer at the port of entry will usually grant you permission to stay (a Status) for the period up to the date your Visa expires. This Status may be EXTENDED or CHANGED to another status for example, to B1-B2, H, R, E-1, E-2, F/J/M OR Green Card.

Frequently asked questions:

How long does it take for the USCIS to make a decision on my application? A decision can take between 60 to 120 days. Sometimes, the USCIS issue a Notice of Action requesting additional documents and/ or information, which may delay the process. However, you may file your application with additional $1,000.00 filing fees and request the USCIS to expedite the decision on your case.

Can an L-1 holder work part time?
Yes. Furthermore, your employer may move you from one worksite to another within the US.

Do I have to come to your office in order to file the application?
No.   Almost every application to EXTEND or to CHANGE a status does not require a personal meeting in our office and can be made through mail, fax or email correspondence.

I want to open a corporation in the US, can you help me?
Yes. We provide this service and can help you to Open a Corporation in the US.

How do I start a case?
To start a case you will have to provide us with your resume and a profile of the company who wishes to sponsor you for the Visa. We charge $275.00 to evaluate a case. The payment is non-refundable. However, if a decision is reached within 30 days to employ the services of our firm, the payment for the evaluation will be credited toward the additional legal fees expected to be paid for this service.

*Note that the above prices are subject to change at any time and without further notice. Prices do not include applications for dependents, dealing with Notice of Actions, out of pocket expenses and any unexpected circumstances we may have to address.

**This is general information and is NOT intended to provide legal advice.