How to Get an IntracompanyTransfer Visa

Requirements of the L-1 Intracompany Transfer VisaThe L-1 intracompany transfer visa is a nonimmigrant visa for people coming to the U.S. to work. In order to be eligible for an L1 intracompany transfer visa, your intended employer in the U.S. has to be a parent or subsidiary of the company you were working for in your country of citizenship. This visa has a variety of advantages that make it stand out amongst the other employment-based visa options. In the information below, we’ll go over some of those advantages as well as how to get an intracompany transfer visa.

You’ve Been Abroad For At Least One Year

One of the requirements of the L1 intracompany transfer visa is that the applicant has been working and living outside the U.S. for a minimum of one year within the last three years. If you have spent any portion of time working in the U.S. (i.e. for a conference or visiting a U.S. office), it cannot be counted toward your year of employment abroad. During your time abroad, you must have held a position at a managerial or executive level. You can prove these requirements with:

● Pay stubs● Tax returns● Work products

Your U.S. Employer and Foreign Employer Have a “Qualifying Relationship”

The foreign employer you were working for must be a parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the United States employer. Additionally, both employers must share common control of the company. There are a variety of documents you can provide to prove this type of relationship, including:

● Business licenses

● Annual corporate reports

● Articles of incorporation

● Contracts that define the relationship

● Corporate filings in the U.S. or abroad

● Stock purchase agreements

Your U.S. Office Has Sufficient Physical Space

This requirement can vary depending on the size of the company and the industry of the business. However, you will at least need proof of a secured office space. Accepted evidence of sufficient physical space can include a signed lease agreement or mortgage documentation.

You Must Provide Evidence of Your Intent to Depart

As an L1 employee, you are permitted to remain in the U.S. for a period of up to seven years. In order to receive your L1 visa, you must be able to provide proof that you intend to leave the U.S. after your visa period expires. However, because of dual intent, you are allowed to pursue permanent residency while you are in the U.S. on an L1 visa.

New Office Employees May Only Stay in the U.S. for One Year

If you are coming to the U.S. on an L1 visa in order to open a U.S. office for a foreign company, you will only be allowed to remain in the United States for a period of one year. If you wish to extend your stay, the U.S. office will have to employ you as a manager or executive and be able to allow you to focus on related tasks.

The L1 Visa Blanket Option

If a company consistently processes multiple employee transfers, they may be able to file for blanket approval. This allows the company to file only one immigration petition for all L1 employees. In order for your U.S. employer to qualify for the L1 visa blanket option, they must meet the following requirements:

● The foreign and U.S. entities are engaged in commercial trade or services.

● The U.S. entity has been doing business in the U.S. for one year or more.

● The U.S. business has three or more U.S. and foreign branches, subsidiaries or affiliates.

● These entities have obtained approval of a minimum of 10 L1 visa petitions within the previous 12 months or have sales or $25 million USD or a U.S. workforce of minimum 1,000 employees.

How to Get an Intracompany Transfer Visa: Application Process

Required Documents

To apply for an L1 visa, you must submit a nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) to the state department. With your application, you will need to include the following:

● Two copies of a passport-sized headshot that shows your full face clearly.

● A copy of your passport.

Application Fees

There are a variety of fees involved with the L1 visa application. These fees should be paid to the USCIS by your intended employer via check or money order.

● A filing fee of $325 USD● An anti-fraud fee for $500 USD

In order to make sure that you complete all the necessary requirements correctly and in a timely manner, it is in your best interest to seek counsel from an experienced business or immigration attorney. For a free 30-minute consultation, contact the experts at Katz Law Office Ltd. today.

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