US & WorldJune 10, 2022by Prominent Overseas CareerL1 A Visa for Managers and Executives in the United States

The L1A Visa is a transitory visa used to enter the United States for a limited time.

Continue reading to learn more about the L1A visa in the United States.

What exactly is an L1A visa?

The L1A visa is a non-immigrant visa granted to foreign citizens with managerial or executive status who seek to work in the US branches of their organisation.

  • L1A visa holders are permitted to work, reside, and travel lawfully in the United States.
  • Dependents of visa holders may accompany them to the United States.
  • Permanent residency may be available to L-1A visa holders.
  • The L1A visa permits a foreign corporation to open a branch in the United States.

 

What are the different sorts of L1 Visas?

Foreign employees who qualify for L1 visas will be issued either an L1A or an L1B visa.

  • Managers and executives are eligible for the L1A visa.
  • The L 1B visa is intended for highly skilled professionals.

 

Differences Between an L1A visa and the L1B visa?

  L1A L1B
Who is it meant for? L1A visa is meant for foreign workers whose job duties are of managerial capacity or executive posts of an organization. L1B visa is given to foreign workers with specialized knowledge.
Eligibility criteria The foreign petitioner who files the L1A petition should be managing a part or component of his organization.

 

The visa beneficiary must be supervising the work of professionals or other managers.

 

The applicant has to hire, fire, and give promotions to some of the employees of the organization

 

The applicant must establish the business’s policies and goals.

The foreign visa applicant, who files the L1B petition, should have specialized knowledge in a field.

 

These people cannot be replaced, and their skill sets cannot be replicated in a short time

 

They have to have expert knowledge in certain fields, which cannot be learned in a day or two but has to have years of experience and skills.

Validity period The L1A visa for startups and new businesses will be given with one-year validity.

 

For multinational companies, visa validity will be 3 years.

This can be extended up to 7 years.

The L1B visa for startups and new businesses will be given for 1 year.

 

For multinational companies, visa validity will be 3 years.

It can be extended a maximum of up to 5 years.

Green Card Eligibility The L1A visa holders can file an application for a green card without a labor certification The L1B visa holder or beneficiary’s employer has to have a labor certification for the visa holder to file an application to get a green card

 

Who Qualifies for an L1A Visa?

To be eligible for an L1A visa to the United States, you must be a manager or executive in your organisation. It will also be offered to executives who wish to create a branch or subsidiary of their firm in the United States.

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What Documents Are Necessary for an L1A Visa?

The following are the paperwork requirements for the L1A visa application:

  • The passport (current and old)
  • Photographs in passport size
  • DS-160 confirmation page Form (along with the barcode of the CEAC)
  • Payment of the visa fee
  • The original and duplicate interview appointment letter
  • I-129 Petition Receipt Number and Approved I-129 Petition Form
  • If you are an individual candidate, you must provide the following documents:
  • a duplicate of Form I-797
  • a duplicate of Form I-129
  • If you are a blanket candidate, you must submit the following documents:
  • The petitioner must complete Form I-129S. (one original and two copies). This form should have been sent during the last six months. It is a form from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • 3 copies of Form I-797
  • Receipt of Visa Fees
  • Employer correspondence
  • Work experience certifications should be issued by your former employers.
  • Certificates from employers showing your unique talents and abilities
  • Certificates of education
L1A Visa Fees

The total fee for the L1A visa is formed by adding the following components:

  • The filing fee is $325.
  • If the applicant requires expedited processing, the premium processing cost is $ 1225.
  • Fee for detecting and preventing fraud: $500
  • $2250 in additional costs (if applicable).

 

How long does it take to process an L1A visa?

The L1A visa takes around 6 months to process. The time required is determined by the embassy from whence you are applying:

  • If you pay a premium fee of $ 1225, your visa will be completed in one or two weeks.
  • You can have your visa completed quickly if your firm has a blanket permission.

Other Important Frequently Asked Questions

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How may an L1A visa be converted into a Green Card?

An L1A visa holder may apply for a green card under the EB-1C category. This eliminates the need for a PERM Labor Certification and cuts the processing time by up to 8 months. The employer just has to file an I-140 petition to apply for the green card. Once authorised, the candidate applies for a change of status (Form I-485).

 

What is the L1A visa’s validity period?

  • The employee will be granted a three-year first visa.
  • They can seek for a visa extension for up to seven years.
  • If you have been in the United States for seven years on an L1A visa, you must leave for a year and reapply for a visa if you wish to return.

 

Can I bring dependents to the United States on an L1A visa?

Yes, if you are travelling to the US on an L1A visa, you can bring your dependents, which include your husband and children (under the age of 21).

 

How long will the visa for my dependents be valid?

If you hold an L1 visa, your dependents will be issued L2 visas. Their visas will be valid for the duration of the principal applicants’ L1 visas.

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Can my spouse work if he or she has an L2 dependant visa?

Yes, by filing the I-765 form, your spouse can petition for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document). If the authorities accept his/her EAD, he/she will be able to get work permits and work in the United States. There will be no limitations on their working hours or pay.

 

How many L-1 visas does the United States issue each year?

The L-1 visa category has no ceiling or limit on the number of people who can apply.

 

Can I go to a law firm if I have issues with my L1A visa?

Yes, you can consult an immigration lawyer at a reputable law firm to resolve your L1A visa concerns.

 

Can I expedite the L1A visa application process?

Yes, as a foreign worker, you can expedite your visa processing by paying a premium processing charge.

 

Is it difficult to obtain an L1 visa?

Not at all. If you meet the requirements, obtaining an L1 visa is easier than obtaining other types of US work visas.

 

Can the bearer of an L1 visa apply for a green card (permanent resident status in the United States)?

Yes, foreign people on L-1 visas are eligible to apply for a green card (the permanent residence status of the US). Based on their education and experience, visa holders can apply for employment-based green cards.

L1 visa holders have a better chance of getting a green card than temporary visa holders.

 

What exactly is an L2 visa?

Dependents of L1A visa holders are granted the L2 visa. L 2 visas are required for family members (spouse and children) of L 1 visa holders to enter the United States.

 

What exactly is a Qualifying Relationship in the context of an L-1 visa?

When a corporation supports an L-1 petition for one of its employees, it establishes a qualifying connection. It usually occurs when a company’s branch, subsidiary, or enterprise is located in another nation. As a result, it is no longer required to include a U.S. firm in order to qualify for an L-1 visa petition because a foreign parent company can send its personnel to work in their subsidiary company in the United States.

 

Conclusion:
You can do the following with an L1A visa:
  • Get a visa to the United States faster than any other visa.
  • Many trips to and from the United States
  • Stay in the United States until your visa expires.
  • Apply for a visa extension for a maximum of 7 years.
  • Take your family, and your spouse can work after meeting specific criteria.
  • Fill out a green card application
  • Apply for permanent residence without a work permit.
  • Get your children the finest education possible.

 

How Can Prominent Assist You?

Prominent Overseas Careers is the most successful visa counsellor in India.

 

What do we have to offer?

  • Visit Visa: Travel to any region of the world for pleasure or business with Prominent.
  • Study Visa: Attend Internationally Recognized Universities!
  • Work Visa: Live and work in the World’s Best Cities!
  • Immigration: We are your one-stop shop for all of your visa and immigration requirements.
  • Permanent Residency: If you become a Permanent Resident, you will receive additional privileges.
Personalized services:
  • Profile Marketing: We are well-known for developing best-in-class portfolios that increase your profile on job boards. And, sure, this is a free service!
  • Resume Writing: Our resume specialists create the best resumes to suit the requirements of immigration authorities and future employers. This significantly increases your chances of success.
  • Documents & Review: Error-free visa documents, including document collection, verification, application filing, and post-landing help.
  • Visa Filing: Prominent ensures that your visa application satisfies all of the standard standards set out by the immigration authorities of the nation to which you are applying.
  • Interview Training: Whether it’s a job interview or a visa interview, we have professionals that can help you succeed.
  • Dedicated Case Officer: Your case officer will assist you throughout the visa application process. If you are dissatisfied with the officer, you can seek a change.
  • Post-Landing Services: Our personalised accommodation-support staff will assist you with making the transition to the nation where you wish to work and settle.

With us, you can anticipate a one-stop shop for all of your visa requirements.

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