L1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
About L-1 Visa
Q. Is there any limit on the number of L1 visas available in a year?
Q. Is there any limit on the number of L1 visas available in a year?
A. No.
Q. Can spouses and children of L1 visa-holders work in the USA?
A. Dependant's are issued L2 visas, which are not employment authorized. In order to engage in employment, L2 visa-holders would have to change or adjust status to another employment-authorized category. L-2 holders can engage in study.
Q. Can I move L1 employees to different sites around the US?
Â
A. Yes, provided they remain under your management and control.
Q. How long does it take to get an L1?
Q. How long does it take to get an L1?
Â
A. Usually 1-2 months for a normal L1. It can take 1-to-10 working days for an L1 covered by a blanket approval.
Q. Can the alien come to the US on a visitor visa or visa-waiver while the L1 petition is being processed?
Q. Can the alien come to the US on a visitor visa or visa-waiver while the L1 petition is being processed?
Â
A. This is possible but not advisable, and under no accounts should the alien risk putting in jeopardy the issue of an L1 visa by engaging in anything that might be construed as work. This may lead to the alien being accused of visa-fraud either on entry to the US with a visitor visa/visa-waiver or when applying for an L1 visa at the US consulate in their own country.
Q. Can L1 employees work part-time?
Q. Can L1 employees work part-time?
Â
A. Yes.
Q. Is there a requirement that the employer pay L1 workers the ‘prevailing wage’?
Q. Is there a requirement that the employer pay L1 workers the ‘prevailing wage’?
A. No, but paying L1 workers significantly below the prevailing wage and/or the wages of your US resident staff is likely to result in the INS viewing your petition unfavorably and may result in investigations by the INS or Department of Labor.
| Click here for more Immigration Questions |
