L-1 Visa

Unlocking Global Talent

As businesses expand into global markets, the need to transfer key employees across borders becomes essential. The L-1 Visa is a powerful tool for companies looking to bring talented professionals from their foreign offices to the U.S. If your business is considering opening a U.S. branch or transferring key employees to the U.S., Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. is here to assist you throughout the entire L-1 Visa process.

What is the L-1 Visa?

The L-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign companies to transfer managers, executives, or employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. offices or subsidiaries. There are two main types of L-1 Visas:

• L-1A Visa for Managers and Executives: This visa is for individuals in executive or managerial positions who have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years. The L-1A Visa is initially granted for up to three years, with possible extensions for a total of seven years.
• L-1B Visa for Employees with Specialized Knowledge: This visa is for employees who possess specialized knowledge about the company’s products, services, research, equipment, or management. The L-1B Visa is granted for an initial period of up to three years and can be extended for a maximum of five years.

How Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. Can Assist Your Company

Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration law can be daunting, but with Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. by your side, the process becomes much more manageable. Our experienced legal team offers a range of services to help businesses take full advantage of the L-1 Visa:

Eligibility Assessment

Our attorneys will evaluate whether your company and the prospective employee meet the eligibility requirements for the L-1 Visa. We ensure that your business is structured correctly to support the visa petition and help determine the appropriate category—whether L-1A or L-1B.

Business Planning and Documentation

For companies that do not yet have a U.S. office, the L-1 Visa can be used to establish one. Our team can assist with forming the necessary U.S. entity, preparing business plans, and ensuring that all documentation meets USCIS requirements. We can help with the creation of subsidiary, branch, or affiliate companies in the U.S. to support your visa petition.

Petition Preparation

Our attorneys will assist in preparing and submitting the L-1 Visa petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We will ensure that all necessary forms and supporting documentation, such as evidence of the employee’s qualifications and company structure, are thoroughly compiled and submitted.

Support for Extensions and Renewals

Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. can guide you through the process of extending the L-1 Visa for eligible employees, ensuring compliance with all visa renewal requirements. If your employee transitions from L-1B to L-1A, we can also handle this process for you.

Path to Permanent Residency (Green Card)

One of the significant benefits of the L-1A Visa is that it offers a potential pathway to a U.S. Green Card without requiring the labor certification process. Our legal team can assist in transitioning your L-1A executives or managers to permanent residency, making the U.S. a long-term option for your employees.

Benefits of the L-1 Visa for Your Company

• Streamlined Global Talent Transfer: The L-1 Visa allows your company to transfer key employees who understand your business model, corporate culture, and goals, ensuring consistency in your U.S. operations.
• No Requirement for Labor Certification: Unlike other employment-based visas, the L-1 Visa does not require labor market testing, making the process quicker and less burdensome for employers.
• Dual Intent Visa: The L-1 Visa allows employees to seek permanent residency without jeopardizing their non-immigrant visa status. This is beneficial for companies looking to retain top talent long-term.
• Dependents Can Work in the U.S.: Employees on an L-1 Visa can bring their spouse and children under the L-2 Visa. Spouses are eligible for work authorization in the U.S., providing additional support to the employee’s family.
• Establish a U.S. Presence: For foreign businesses looking to expand into the U.S. market, the L-1 Visa provides a vehicle to set up new offices and transfer critical personnel to manage and grow the new U.S. entity.

Get Started with Spiegel & Utrera, P.A.

Whether you are looking to expand your business into the U.S. or need to transfer key employees to your U.S. operations, the L-1 Visa offers an excellent opportunity to bring skilled professionals into the country. Spiegel & Utrera, P.A. has the experience and expertise to guide your company through the application process and ensure that you remain compliant with U.S. immigration laws.