International Companies often wish to bring Executive or Managers are essential skills workers to the US from a related foreign company abroad. These kinds of petitions must provide detailed information about the related companies and the nature of the Beneficiary and his or her position in the U.S.
Details:
L-1A and L-1B visas are non-immigrant visas that allow employees of foreign companies to transfer to a related company in the United States. These visas are often referred to as “Intra-Company Transferee Visas” because they are designed for employees who are being transferred within the same company or a related company.
Here are the key differences between the L-1A and L-1B visas:
- L-1A Visa:
- L-1A visas are for intracompany transferees who are managers or executives.
- Managers are individuals who primarily manage the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization.
- Executives are individuals who have a high-level position with significant decision-making authority.
- L-1A visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extending their stay for up to 7 years.
- L-1B Visa:
- L-1B visas are for intracompany transferees with specialized knowledge.
- Specialized knowledge refers to an employee’s specialized or advanced expertise in the company’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other aspects.
- L-1B visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extending their stay for up to 5 years.
In both cases, the U.S. company and the foreign company must have a qualifying relationship, such as being parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, or branches. The U.S. company must also demonstrate that it has a need for the employee’s services in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
It’s important to note that L-1 visa holders are typically allowed to bring their immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) to the United States on L-2 dependent visas. L-2 visa holders may also be eligible to work in the U.S. by obtaining employment authorization.