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Time Business News
09-08-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
L1 Visa: The Complete Guide for Intra-Company Transfers to the U.S.
If your company plans to transfer a key employee or executive to the United States, you may be considering the l1 visa, one of the most strategic non-immigrant work visa options for global businesses. Designed for intracompany transferees, the L1 visa allows foreign employees to work at a U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the L1 visa, including eligibility, types (L1A and L1B), the application process, extensions, transitioning to a Green Card, and legal tips to boost your approval odds. The L1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa granted to employees of international companies who are being transferred to the U.S. The visa is especially valuable for expanding businesses and multinational organizations seeking to open offices or reinforce operations in the United States. There are two main types: L1A Visa – for executives and managers. L1B Visa – for employees with specialized knowledge. To be eligible for an L1 visa, the applicant must: Be employed outside the U.S. by a qualifying organization for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years. Be transferring to a U.S. office of the same organization (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary). Be offered a position as either an executive, manager (L1A), or a specialized knowledge worker (L1B). The U.S. and foreign offices must maintain a qualifying corporate relationship, and both must be actively conducting business. L1A vs L1B: What's the Difference? L1A Visa – For Executives and Managers Allows executives/managers to enter the U.S. to lead operations. Can be used to open a new U.S. office. Valid for up to 7 years (initial 1–3 years + extensions). Eligible for EB-1C Green Card without labor certification. For employees with proprietary company knowledge or advanced technical expertise. Not eligible for EB-1C, but may qualify under EB-2/EB-3. Valid for up to 5 years. Application Process Here's a step-by-step breakdown of how to apply for an L1 visa: The U.S. employer must file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS, along with the L supplement and all supporting documentation. Once USCIS approves the petition, the applicant receives an approval notice (Form I-797). If the employee is outside the U.S., they apply for the L1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If already in the U.S. on another visa (e.g., B1, H1B, F1), they may request change of status. Once the visa is issued, the employee can travel to the U.S. and begin working at the U.S. company office. For large companies that frequently transfer employees, the L1 blanket petition offers a streamlined process. Once the blanket petition is approved, individual employees can apply directly at the U.S. consulate—eliminating the need to file separate I-129 petitions for each case. Eligibility for the blanket petition requires: U.S. office operating for at least 1 year. At least 3 domestic/international branches. 1,000+ employees or $25M in U.S. sales or 10+ L1 approvals in the past 12 months. Yes—especially for L1A visa holders. This is one of the biggest advantages of the L1 visa over others like H1B. No PERM labor certification required. Must have been a manager/executive abroad and continue in that role in the U.S. Priority processing available. Often approved within 12–18 months. Must apply through EB-2 or EB-3. Requires PERM labor certification. May take several years, depending on priority date. L1 visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children (under 21) under L2 dependent visas. L2 spouses can apply for a work permit (EAD). L2 children can attend school or college. The L2 visa duration matches the L1 holder's stay. Initial stay: 1–3 years depending on the scenario (1 year for new office setup). Extensions: L1A up to 7 years, L1B up to 5 years. Must maintain qualifying employment to renew. Important: Time spent outside the U.S. doesn't count toward the max stay—travel records can help extend time in status. FeatureL1 VisaH1B VisaCapNo cap85,000 annual limitSponsorSame company abroad and in U.S.U.S. employer onlySpouse Work PermitYes (L2 EAD)Yes (H4 EAD with limits)Green Card RouteEasier for L1ARequires PERMSpecialized Knowledge?L1B onlyRequired Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them Insufficient documentation: Clearly show corporate relationship, job duties, and qualifications. 'Specialized knowledge' rejections: Provide technical descriptions, training manuals, and examples of proprietary work. New office petitions: Show business plan, lease agreements, and evidence of initial funding. Working with an immigration lawyer can help avoid denials and RFEs by preparing airtight documentation from the start. Case: A Turkish tech startup opened a Delaware subsidiary to enter the U.S. market. The CEO filed for an L1A to manage U.S. operations. Challenges: New office setup (1-year validity). Proving executive control and a real business plan. Outcome: Approved within 3 weeks via premium processing. Green Card filed under EB-1C after 1 year of successful operation. The l1 visa is a powerful tool for international companies to bring talent to the U.S. Whether you're launching a new office or scaling operations, this visa streamlines intracompany transfers and offers a direct route to permanent residency—especially for executives and managers. However, eligibility is strict, documentation is complex, and denials are on the rise. That's why working with an experienced immigration lawyer like Kulen Law Firm can make the difference between approval and delay. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
What is US' 'Einstein Visa'? What makes EB-1 visa special and why it's in demand among skilled professionals in India
This is an AI-generated image, used for representational purposes only. The EB-1 visa, often dubbed the 'Einstein Visa,' has surged in popularity among skilled professionals globally, especially in India, offering a faster route to US permanent residency. However, while its appeal has widened, so too has the spread of misinformation surrounding what it takes to qualify. What is the EB-1 Visa? The EB-1 is a first-preference employment-based green card category designed for individuals with proven, exceptional ability. As per ET, it is divided into three subcategories, EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding professors and researchers), and EB-1C (multinational executives and managers). Unlike other employment-based visas, it does not require labour certification and is often processed faster, with visa numbers typically 'current,' allowing immediate action once Form I-140 is approved. Who can apply and how? The EB-1A subcategory, open to self-petitioners, applies to individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, arts, business, education, or athletics. No employer sponsorship is needed, but applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim. Acceptable proof includes international media recognition, original contributions of major significance, authorship of scholarly articles, and more but applicants must convincingly demonstrate excellence, not just meet a checklist. In contrast, EB-1B and EB-1C require employer sponsorship. EB-1B applicants must be internationally recognised academics with at least three years of teaching or research experience and a job offer in the US. EB-1C caters to executives or managers who have worked for a related company abroad for at least one year in the last three years, entering the US to assume a similar role. Misinformation and dubious practices on the rise But as demand spikes, concerns are growing over how the visa is being marketed. A rise in immigration agents pushing 'profile-building services,' from engineered media visibility to questionable publications aimed at inflating resumes. While these practices may seem like shortcuts, US immigration officers are increasingly trained to detect and reject fraudulent profiles. False claims can lead not just to rejection, but to a permanent bar on reentry. Moreover, USCIS now rigorously checks the authenticity of awards, citations, and affiliations. Application process , costs and timelines Despite these risks, the EB-1 remains a powerful and prestigious pathway. Premium processing of Form I-140 costs $2,805 and guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days, though standard timelines can stretch across months. Following approval, applicants within the US may file Form I-485 to adjust status, while those abroad use Form DS-260 for consular processing, as per ET. Eligible family members, spouses and unmarried children under 21, can also apply for green cards under the same petition. While frustrations over the H-1B visa system and long green card queues have led many to eye the EB-1 as a fast-track solution, immigration experts caution that it is not a shortcut but a reward for verifiable, world-class excellence. The Einstein visa is not a myth, but it's also not magic… Exceptional talent is earned, not engineered. And the US immigration system knows the difference. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
News18
25-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Missed The H-1B Visa? The EB-1 Could Be The Right Choice For You. Here's Who Can Apply
The EB-1 visa is a US green card for individuals with extraordinary ability who have made a significant impact or achieved distinction in their professional fields With the Donald Trump administration imposing tighter restrictions on the H-1B visa, many Indian professionals saw their hopes of living and working in the US dwindle. In this climate, the EB-1 visa has gained attention as a viable alternative—offering a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with exceptional achievements in their fields. The EB-1 visa is a type of green card granted to individuals. It is granted to individuals with exceptional ability—those who have made a distinct mark in their professions. This includes top-tier researchers, professors, and multinational executives. For instance, an Indian scientist recognized internationally for a groundbreaking invention, or a musician who has won a Grammy Award, would be eligible to apply under the EB-1A category. The EB-1 is a US immigrant visa, essentially a pathway to a green card. It allows recipients to live and work in the United States permanently. However, the eligibility criteria are highly stringent, making it accessible only to a select group of individuals who meet its exceptional standards. Who Gets EB-1 Visa? The visa is divided into three categories: EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C. EB-1A: This category is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in areas such as science, arts, sports, education, and business. Notable examples include Nobel Prize winners, Olympic athletes, and Grammy Award recipients. Applicants for EB-1A do not require a job offer from a US employer. EB-1C: This category is designed for multinational managers or executives who have worked for at least one year with their overseas company and now seek to continue their role in the US branch of the same company. This category has a relatively quick processing time. How Many EB-1A Visas Does The US Grant? The total number of EB-1 visas issued annually is part of the overall employment-based green card quota, which is set at 140,000 for 2025. Out of this, 28.6%, or approximately 40,000 visas, are allocated to the EB-1 category, divided among EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-1C. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
