Chicago L-1A Visa Attorney

The L-1A visa is a non-immigrant classification that allows U.S. companies to transfer executives or managers from their foreign offices to work in the United States. This visa is designed for individuals who have been employed by the company for at least one continuous year within the past three years in a managerial or executive capacity and are being transferred to a similar or higher-level role within the U.S. office.

The L-1A visa is typically granted for an initial period of up to one year if the employee is being transferred to a new office, or up to three years if the employee is being transferred to an existing office. The visa holder can extend their stay in two-year increments, with a maximum duration of seven years for managers and executives.

To qualify for the L-1A visa, the employer must demonstrate that the employee holds an executive or managerial role and that the foreign and U.S. offices have a qualifying relationship, such as being subsidiaries, affiliates, or branches of the same company. The applicant must also provide evidence of their executive or managerial duties, which may include overseeing the work of other employees, making decisions about the company’s operations, or managing key business functions.

The L-1A visa offers a path for companies to transfer top-level talent to the U.S., helping to maintain continuity in leadership and business strategy. While the L-1A visa is a temporary work visa, it is a common stepping stone for executives who seek to eventually apply for permanent residency (Green Card) under the EB-1C immigrant category, which is reserved for multinational executives and managers.

In summary, the L-1A visa is a valuable tool for companies to transfer executives and managers to the U.S. to lead or manage business operations, fostering continuity and growth across international offices.