Simplify the L-1A Visa Process with LegalOS

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Overview

What is the L-1A Visa?

The L-1A visa is a popular work visa that enables foreign managers and executives to work temporarily in the United States. It allows employers to bring key personnel from abroad.

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The L-1A visa allows U.S. employers to transfer foreign managers and executives from their international operations to their U.S. operations temporarily. The visa lasts for three years for new offices and can be extended up to a total of seven years. It helps employers bring valuable talent from abroad to drive business growth.

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Understanding the L-1A visa process and requirements is essential for employers to follow regulations. The employer must demonstrate a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign company, and the employee must hold a managerial or executive role.

Benefits

L-1A Visa Benefits

LegalOS uses technology and legal guidance to help accelerate you U.S. business expansion

No Annual Cap

L-1 visas are available year-round, unlike other visa categories with limited quotas.

Faster Processing Times

Eligible for premium processing, enabling companies to bring key personnel to the U.S. more rapidly.

No Degree Requirement

Focuses on the applicant's managerial or executive experience rather than formal education
What We Do

L-1As made simple with LegalOS

Preparing and filing your L-1A visa application
Ensuring that all necessary documents are complete and accurate
Coordinating with your HR team to gather all necessary information
Offering ongoing support and assistance throughout the process
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Our Advantage

Why choose LegalOS?

Our expert immigration attorneys use our proprietary software to create high-quality visa applications with unparalleled efficiency.

RFE Protection

LegalOS ensures that your application is fully compliant with USCIS regulations, minimizing the risk of costly delays or legal issues. Each L-1A you do comes with RFE protection so if you get a Request for Evidence (RFE), we'll take care of it.

Visa Approval

LegalOS automates the preparation of L-1A visa applications, reducing paperwork and errors, and ensuring that your petition is complete and accurate.
We have a long track record of visa success. We know exactly what works, and what doesn't.

Expert Legal Advice

Every L-1A visa case is handled by our team of immigration attorneys, who have extensive experience working with businesses in tech, finance, biotech, and other industries. We ensure compliance with all U.S. immigration laws, reducing the risk of denials.
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Our Attorneys

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Latest posts

L-1 Resources

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L-1 Visa: A Complete Guide

The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge to the U.S.
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L-1A Visa vs EB-1C Visa

The L-1A visa offers temporary work authorization for multinational executives, while the EB-1C visa provides a direct path to U.S. permanent residency.
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L-1 Visa Job Titles: Understanding Which Roles Qualify

The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer managers, executives, and specialized knowledge workers to U.S. offices, with eligibility depending on job titles and roles.
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Learn More

L-1A Visa Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions to help you understand more about the L-1A Visa
What are the L-1A USCIS Filing Fees?
As of April 1, 2024, the USCIS filing fees for L-1A petitions are:

$1,385: For employers with more than 25 full-time employees
$695: For employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees
Is there a limit on L-1 visas available per year?
There is no quota limit on L-1 visas. An L-1 visa holder can also change to an H-1B visa, though that will likely be subject to the H-1B's annual limit.
What is L-1 Visa Premium Processing? How Much More Does It Cost?
Premium Processing is an expedited service offered by USCIS that allows applicants to receive faster decisions on certain immigration petitions.

When a request for Premium Processing is made, USCIS guarantees that it will take action on the petition within 15 calendar days, or the premium processing fee will be refunded.

As of February 26, 2024, the fee for Premium Processing for the L-1 visa is $2,805. This fee is in addition to the standard filing fees
What are the L-1A USCIS Filing Fees?
As of April 1, 2024, the USCIS filing fees for L-1A petitions are:

$1,385: For employers with more than 25 full-time employees
$695: For employers with 25 or fewer full-time employees
Can I change jobs under an L-1 visa?
As long as you continue working for one of your company's branches or its affiliated companies, then you can transfer jobs. However, you should notify the USCIS or the attorney carrying out your paperwork before making a switch.

To work for a different company, you will need to apply for a separate visa. You also cannot work part-time for a different company while on the L-1 visa.
Can a Founder or Business Owner get to the U.S. using an L-1A visa?
For founders and business owners who own their own company and wish to open an office in the United States, the L-1 visa may be a good option.

If you are a business owner, you will need to meet the requirements of an L-1A to get an L-1A manager or executive visa.
What visa status is given to the dependents of a holder of an L-1 visa?
Dependents of an L-1 holder include a spouse and children under the age of 21. These dependents are given an L-2 visa. L-2 visas have limits similar to those of the L-1 visa.
How long does processing an L-1 Visa take?
Under regular circumstances, the L-1 processing time ranges between two to five months. However, you can request premium processing to have your visa processed in as little as two weeks.

At LegalOS, we can have a completed L-1 ready to submit in just a few days.
What privileges do l have with an L-1 visa? What are the benefits?
An L-1 visa allows you to:

- Stay in the U.S. and legally work there for an organization that is a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or branch of the company which formerly employed you abroad.

- Move outside and within the United States.

- Obtain visas for your family — this is for your spouse and children under the age of 21. Your spouse can work in the U.S., and children can still study in U.S. public and private schools. However, your children cannot engage in paid employment in the U.S.
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- File for a Green Card without jeopardizing the status of your L-1 visa.

- Unlike the H-1B visa that requires you to possess a bachelor's degree, the L-1 visa has no education requirement. The L-1A allows managers and executives to travel to the U.S. to start a new branch or office where none exists.

However, the initial validity period is only 1 year for this route, though extensions are available.

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