L-1 Visa Lawyer in Chicago

Assisting Employers and Transfer Employees With Obtaining Work Visas

An L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a multinational company to transfer intracompany employees from their parent company to work temporarily at a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.

The L-1 visa is a valuable resource that allows intracompany employees to quickly transfer to a U.S. employer to manage daily operations, oversee projects and services, and conduct business.

However, the L-1 visa is reserved only for those employees who act in an executive or managerial capacity for a foreign business.

If you are a U.S. employer or foreign employee who needs more information regarding L-1 visa immigration law, contact SwagatUSA LLC at our Chicago, IL, law office and ask to schedule a consultation. A well-qualified legal team member will gladly answer your questions and determine how we may address your employment needs.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements Needed to Obtain an L- 1 Visa?

There are specific requirements that must be met by an employer and employee when trying to obtain an L-1 visa.

Employee Applicant

Employment with a qualifying foreign company with an affiliate, subsidiary, branch office, or related entity in the U.S.
Employees must have been employed with the company abroad for at least one year within the three years preceding their L-1 visa application.
Employees seeking an L-1A visa must be company executives or employed in a managerial capacity.
Employees seeking an L-1B visa must have specialized knowledge of the company’s technology, services, procedures, or products.
Employees must remain with the same employer once they begin work in the U.S.

U.S. Employer

The U.S. employer must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company that wishes to send the employee to the U.S.
The U.S. employer must extend an employment offer to the employee and file an L-1 visa petition with USCIS on their behalf.
The U.S. employer must conduct business within the country and have a physical location where the employee will work.
If the U.S. employer establishes a new office, the business must present a plan demonstrating the need for the employee’s services.

How Long Can L-1 Visa Holders Stay in the United States?

Because the L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, there are limits on how long the employee is permitted to stay in the U.S.

Employees who hold L-1A and L-1B visas initially retain visa validity in the U.S. for three years. However, managers and executives who hold L-1A visas may petition to have their stay extended to a maximum of 7 years, whereas employees with specialized knowledge may stay for a maximum of 5 years.

For companies establishing a new office in the U.S., L-1 visa holders are initially granted visas for one year. However, if a company meets eligibility requirements, it may petition to have L-1 visas extended to two-year terms.

L-1 visas also provide foreign employees with a significant number of other advantages, including:

No Labor Condition Application requirement.
No educational requirements, unlike other business-related visas.
No annual limits on L-1 visa issuances per fiscal year.
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of the L-1 visa holder may obtain an L-2 visa. The L-2 visa enables spouses and dependent children to enroll in U.S. schools and obtain a work permit.

If you need further clarification regarding an L-1 visa, contact SwagatUSA LLC to schedule a meeting with an experienced immigration lawyer who can explore your legal options.

Can I Apply for a Green Card with an L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa is a dual intent visa that allows foreign employees to file for permanent residency without jeopardizing their status.

Individuals who hold L visas may not self-petition to obtain a green card. In most instances, L-1 visa holders can only transition to a green card through their employer.

However, if you wish to obtain a green card through an adjustment of status, it is in your best interest to hire a knowledgeable immigration attorney to assist you.

Some of the legal services SwagatUSA LLC offers to clients include:

Determine if you qualify to apply for a green card.
Assist you and your U.S. employer with collecting all necessary legal documentation.
Ensure all applicable requirements are met.
Prepare and file all immigration forms with the USCIS.
Act as your legal advocate with the USCIS to protect your legal rights.

Our legal team has extensive experience helping clients with their immigration needs and would be honored to try and help you through the process of obtaining a green card. Contact our law office to schedule a meeting to discuss our immigration services.

What Makes Your Immigration Lawyers the Right Choice for My Legal Needs?

SwagatUSA LLC is an immigration law firm that has gained a well-earned reputation for being able to help individuals who serve in an executive capacity or have specialized skills obtain L-1 visas.

Our dedication to helping businesses and employees has enabled us to develop the skills to achieve favorable client results.

Our law firm recognizes that businesses and individuals seeking L-1 visas need results quickly. As a result, our attorneys work diligently to ensure that your case is given the attention it deserves.

Our team of legal professionals can also provide assistance with premium processing so that your L-1 petition can be processed quickly.

If you are still determining if your business qualifies to hire L1 visa employees or you are a foreign employee trying to determine your legal options, allow our qualified legal team members to thoroughly assess your legal needs.

Contact SwagatUSA LLC at our Chicago, IL, law office by calling 312-854-7065 and ask to schedule a meeting with a skilled immigration lawyer who can determine your legal options.