What You Need to Know About L1 Visas Before Getting Started

An L1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows multinational/ growing companies to transfer their professionals to the United States. The L1 is divided into 2 categories, L1A for Senior Managers/Executives and L1B for Specialized Knowledge employees. Although it was initially created for multinational companies to transfer their employees to the U.S. it is also a very useful work visa for start-up businesses that wish to expand into the U.S.

An L1 visa is a dual intent visa which means that an L1 visa holder can apply for a green card without jeopardizing their current status. Even if an employee/executive is employed by foreign company on a full time basis, they do not need to be employed on a full time basis in the U.S. This is good news because it means the L1 visa allows for short term work.

There multiple other features and benefits of attaining an L1 visa

1. The L1 visa is not limited to certain countries, unlike other visas such as a TN Visa
2. Does not require a degree unlike most other work visa categories
3. Lower requirements compared to other visas, for example, an O visa requires proof of extraordinary ability
4. There are no quotas or limits on how many L1s are approved each year

There are also a few drawbacks to the L1 visa

1. The must already be employed by the company for at least one year
2. This visa ‘maxes out’ at seven years
3. Visa holders are not permitted to start their own business, or work for another employer in the U.S.
4. Excludes companies too small to expand internationally

As you would expect, the paperwork for filing an L1 application is lengthy and complex. If you would like to learn more about the L1 visa, or determine whether you qualify for a visa, contact Toronto lawyer Janice Warren.