What is the L-1 Visa?
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States that facilitates intracompany transfers for multinational companies. This visa temporarily allows businesses to relocate employees from foreign offices to U.S.-based offices.
The L-1 visa promotes global operations by enabling executives and employees with specialized knowledge to oversee projects and share expertise across borders.
L-1 Visa Subcategories
L-1A Visa
For managers and executives. Eligible employees must hold a leadership position, overseeing significant parts of the company's operations or managing essential functions. Transfers may occur between parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, or branch offices of a multinational organization.
L-1B Visa
For employees with specialized knowledge of the organization's products, services, technology, or internal processes. The expertise must go beyond what is typically available in the industry and directly contribute to the success of U.S. operations.
L-1 Visa Eligibility
The Applicant:
- Employment with a Qualifying Organization
- Position Qualifications (Executive, Managerial, or Specialized Knowledge)
- One Year of Employment within the past three years
The Sponsor:
- Qualifying Relationship with foreign entity
- Conducting Business in the U.S.
- Formal Employment Offer
Documentation for L-1 Visa Application
Personal Documents
- Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Form I-797 (Notice of Action)
- Valid Passport (current and expired)
- Photograph (meeting U.S. visa photo requirements)
- Interview Appointment Letter
Professional Documents
- I-129 Petition with receipt number
- CV, income tax records, and recent bank statements
- Proof of Employment and role within the organization
- University degrees, certifications, and credentials
- Organizational details of U.S. employer
L-1 Visa Application Process
- File Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS
- Pay Filing Fees (including anti-fraud and optional premium processing fees)
- Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
- Pay Visa Fees as required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Schedule & Attend the Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country
L-1 Visa Questions to Expect
Questions About Overseas Employment
- What is your professional work experience?
- What is the nature of your employment?
- Who did you work for before your current employer?
- How long have you worked in your current role?
- What are your job responsibilities and annual earnings?
Questions About U.S. Employment
- What is your job offer, and what does the U.S. organization do?
- Why does the role have to be performed in the U.S.?
- Where will you work and reside in the U.S.?
- Who will you report to in this role, and where are they based?
- What will your annual salary and allowances be?
L-1A and L-1B Visa Interview Questions
L-1A Visa Interview Questions
- What is your role in managing U.S.-based operations?
- How many employees will directly report to you?
- Do you have authority over hiring, firing, or policy-making?
- When was the last time you hired or dismissed an employee?
- Will you have control over the budget?
L-1B Visa Interview Questions
- What is your area of expertise, and how long have you worked in this field?
- What specific qualifications and work experience make your knowledge specialized?
- Why is your role important to the U.S. operations?
- Can U.S. colleagues perform this work, or is your expertise essential?
Need Professional Assistance?
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