Attorneys Law Firm Practicecontact us
 

L1A Visa & Status

Home > Worker  > L-1 Visas & Statuses > L1A Visa & Status

The L-1A intra-company transferee classification applies to qualified executives and managers within multinational companies. These individuals can be transferred from their foreign employer to work for up to seven years in the United States for an appropriately affiliated U.S. company. The company must continue to operate as a multinational company for the duration of the employee’s L1A status.

Classification as executive or managerial is appropriate for employees who are primarily responsible for: directing management or managing an organization, department, subdivision, or component of the company. It is also possible to qualify by demonstrating that the employee has supervisory responsibilities over professional or managerial employees or manages an essential function within the organization. This classification is not appropriate for low level managers.

There are NO annual limitations on the number of L1As that can be approved, and there are NO specific wage requirements for L1A employees.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the basic requirements for the L-1 visa, applicants must meet other requirements, including the following.

  • Transferred employee must have been employed by foreign affiliate for at least one continuous year within the three years prior to coming to the U.S. [The prior employment must have been either in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.]
  • Within the L1A category, employee must not be low-level manger. [S/he may qualify by demonstrating employment level within the company structure, and establishing higher level supervisory or managerial responsibilities.]
  • Employers must obtain approved petition from the USCIS for each desired employee, unless the employer has a blanket L-1 petition approval.

How We Can Help You

  • The Murthy Law Firm can guide and represent employers in the preparation of individual and blanket L-1 petitions.
  • Our attorneys can consult with companies considering or initiating the establishment of new offices in the United States with regard to L-1 related planning for staffing a new office.
  • We can provide representation and assistance in connection with L-1 visa applications at U.S. consulates.
  • Our attorneys are available to consult with both employers and employees to discuss their options and responsibilities within the L-1 category.