By Asim Kilinc, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

In this week’s informative article on visa types, I will discuss the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa, a frequently asked and highly sought-after U.S. visa by my clients. In this article, I will answer the most frequently asked questions about the L-1A Visa. By reading this article, you will find answers to the following questions:

• What is the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• What are the Advantages of Applying for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• Who Can Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• What are the Requirements to Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• Where to Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• How to Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• What to Expect After Applying for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

If you have any additional questions about the L-1A visa type, please do not hesitate to reach out through the comments section below this article, message me directly on LinkedIn, or contact me via the contact section on the CK Law Firm Immigration Attorney Firm’s website.

What is the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa is a type of visa granted to managers and executives temporarily transferring to the U.S. to work at a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of their current employer. This visa is designed for individuals transferred to the U.S. to work in managerial positions within their companies.

The L-1A visa allows international companies to manage their global workforce flexibly and is a crucial tool for companies looking to support their business operations in the U.S.

What are the Advantages of Applying for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The L-1A visa provides international company executives the opportunity to work and transition into high-level managerial positions in the U.S. Once approved, the applicant can work in the U.S. for an initial period of 1-3 years, with the possibility of extension up to 7 years. L-1A visa holders can apply for permanent residency (Green Card) in the U.S. after meeting specific conditions. The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the L-1A visa holder can obtain L-2 visas. L-2 visa holders can apply for work authorization, allowing them to work in the U.S. The advantages offered by the L-1A visa provide significant benefits for both individuals and companies.

Who Can Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

Executives or high-level managers can be transferred to the U.S. through an intra-company transfer. Individuals meeting the following criteria can apply for this visa:

• The applicant must have worked for the company for at least one year within the last three years before applying for the visa.
• Upon arriving in the U.S., the applicant must work in a managerial or executive position for the same employer at another branch.

What are the Requirements to Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

To apply for the L1-A visa, general requirements must be met:

• Employer Status: The applicant must be employed by an American company or a branch, subsidiary, or parent company of an international company in the U.S.
• Job Position: The applicant must hold a managerial or executive position in the company.
• Inter-Company Relationship: There must be a commercial relationship between the company the applicant works for and the U.S. company.
• Work Duration: The applicant must have worked for the company for at least one year within the last three years before applying for the visa.
• Position in the U.S.: The applicant will continue to work as a manager or executive in the same position in the U.S.

The L1-A visa application process is generally initiated by the employer. The employer must submit Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to USCIS and pay the form fee on behalf of the employee applying for the L-1A visa.

Where to Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The application for the this visa is made by the applicant’s employer and is carried out through USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

How to Apply for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The L1-A visa application process is initiated by the applicant’s employer and proceeds as follows:

• Employer’s USCIS Application: The employer fills out Form I-129. This form must be accompanied by supporting documents, including:
  • Documents proving the eligibility of the employer and the applicant.
  • Evidence that the employer’s company is actively doing business in the U.S.
  • Documents showing that the applicant has worked as a manager or executive for at least one year within the last three years.
  • Job description and nature of the duties showing that the applicant will work as a manager or executive in the U.S.
• Submission of Form I-129: Form I-129 and supporting documents are sent to the designated USCIS office based on the employer’s location.

What to Expect After Applying for the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

After applying for the L-1A visa, the process begins with USCIS reviewing the employer’s I-129 form and supporting documents:

• RFE (Request for Evidence): USCIS may request additional information or documents.
• Approval or Denial: USCIS approves or denies the application. If approved, the employer and the applicant receive an approval notice (Form I-797).

The visa application process varies depending on whether you are in the U.S. or another country.

For Applicants Applying from Outside the U.S.

After receiving the USCIS approval notice, the applicant must complete the DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) form. They must then schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and pay the visa fee.

For Applicants Applying for a Change of Status within the U.S.

If the applicant is already in the U.S., they can apply for a change of status after receiving USCIS approval.

In conclusion, it is essential to provide accurate and complete information and documents at each stage of the application. Due to the complexity of the process and legal requirements, it may be beneficial to seek support from an immigration attorney. If you would like to determine your eligibility for the L1-A visa, you can contact us at cklawfirm.org, info@cklawfirm.org, or directly reach out to me via LinkedIn for free consultation services. All you need to do is send us your CV. We will review your CV and get back to you within 24 hours.

Who is Lawyer Asım Kılınç?

Lawyer Asım Kılınç, as a founding partner of CK Law Firm, stands out with his mastery of both international law and the American legal system, gained through years of experience. Completing his Master’s degree at Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, Kılınç is registered with the Missouri Bar and specializes in U.S. immigration law. His deep knowledge and experience in immigration law have significantly contributed to CK Law Firm’s successes in this field. Having participated in the preparation processes of over 1,000 cases in immigration law, Lawyer Kılınç has proven his expertise in this field, providing comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, facilitating their adaptation to their new lives in the U.S.

Strengthening CK Law Firm’s leadership in immigration law, Lawyer Kılınç offers reliable and effective legal consultancy services to his clients, standing by them in their journey to establish a new life in the U.S. He works to ensure that his clients receive the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permit, and other immigration processes, providing support to his clients throughout the entire process, from the beginning to U.S. citizenship.