L-1 VISA APPLICATION
What is an L-1 visa?
Who may apply?
When is the application made?
How long is the application process?
What information does the US CIS require?
What are the documents required?
How to apply?
L-1 visa is an employment visa that is issued to an employee who is transferred by the overseas parent company to start a new office/branch in the US or to work in an existing US office. The employee being transferred must be in an executive, managerial or supervisory capacity or has specialized knowledge. The employee must have worked at the parent company for at least one (1) year out of the previous three (3) years in an executive, managerial capacity or in a position that requires specialized knowledge.
The US office of the foreign company may apply.
As soon as the new office is registered or when a decision to transfer the employee is made.
A regular processing of the L-1 visa application takes between 4 to 6 months. However, the US CIS accepts requests for premium processing of the applications. The applicant pays an additional fee called the premium processing fee (currently $1,000.00) to the US CIS and the application will be processed within 2 to 3 weeks.
Company information and financial statements; information on the new office such as the nature of the business, number of employees and business plan. In addition, personal details of the employee are also required. These include the employee's academic qualifications, work experience and job duties.
The application includes the filing of the Petition I-129 Form, I-129 Form with L Supplement; the I-129W Form and the Wage Certification for the Department of Labor. The Employer is also required to prepare a letter that gives information on (1) the nature of its business; (2) its gross income; (3) the nature of the employee's responsibilities and job duties in both the parent and US offices; (4) the experience and position of the employee; (5) and the reasons for the transfer.
Documents required to accompany the application include copies of the worker's passport and degree (see Required Documents).
In order for us to assess your special requirements and needs, please contact us.