|
MAIONA & MAIONA, P.C.
171 MILK STREET • SUITE 200 • BOSTON, MA 02109
TEL: (617) 695-2220 • FAX: (617) 695-6377 • EMAIL: mjm2@gis.net
L-1 VISA
I. Basic:
The L-1 visa is an intra company transfer. The simple example is the transfer of an employee from the overseas office to any office in the United States.
II. Requirements:
(1) The transferee must be a key executive/key manager (L-1A) or an employee who has specialized knowledge of the company (L-1B); and
(2) The transferee must have worked for the foreign office for one of the previous three years.
III. Necessary Documents:
(1) Copy of the transferee’s passport with family members if applicable;
(2) Copy of transferee’s college/university degree with transcripts;
(3) Copy of transferee’s resume;
(4) Proof of employment with the foreign office for one of the previous three years (pay record from HR is usually sufficient);
(5) Job description with job title and salary offered; and
IV. Time Line:
(1) Regular Processing: If the application is processed via the standard filing procedure, it will take USCIS 90 - 120 days to process the application and grant the visa approval. The USCIS fee for this service is $690.00.
(2) Premium Processing: If the application is filed via the premium processing procedure, it will take 14 days or less to process the application and grant the visa approval. The process requires employer to pay to USCIS an additional $1,000.00 filing fee for the expedited service in addition to the $690.00.
V. Period of Validity:
The L-1A is valid for up to seven years. The L-1B is valid for up to five years. Once in the US, an L-1B may change to an L-1A if his/her position changes.
VI. Family:
The spouse and children may accompany the transferee to the US. Please be sure that each qualifying relative supplies a passport, marriage certificate and birth certificate. This will be necessary for the US Consulate to issue them visas. The spouse may be eligible to work while in the US.
VII. Permanent Residency:
The transferee may become a Permanent Resident if employer sponsors him/her for residency after arrival in the US.
VIII. Previous Immigration Status:
If the transferee ever held L-1 or any other status in the US, (H-1B, TN, L-1, etc.), they must provide us with a copy of their current visa approval notice.
|
