L1 / L1A / L1B Visa Attorney

The United States offers many paths for investors, entrepreneurs, managers and those with special skills to immigrate into the country. But choosing which visa path is best for you to assure a successful and smooth immigration requires the expertise of an L-1 visa attorney. Alina Kats at Kats Immigration Law in NYC has the knowledge and the expertise to guide your immigration journey. Call her today for a virtual consultation.

What Are L-1A and L-1B Visas?

The L-1 visa offers the advantages you need to send seasoned, senior staff members to the United States to expand your business if you’re an employer with an established office in the country or intend to open one. Immigrants holding an L-1 visa may also take advantage of a dual intent, which enables you to apply for permanent residency simultaneously with your L1 visa application.

At Kats Immigration Law, you get the most precise and prompt representation of your business immigration status. You can go on the fast track and get over any roadblocks with the assistance of lead attorney Alina Kats and her team of L1 visa lawyers.

How Do I Know Which Visa to Get?

A business immigration visa can be the best option for you if you’re thinking of moving to the United States to invest in or launch a new business and you have the necessary paperwork and funding. As U.S. immigration rules continually change, it’s best to begin your enquiries into which visa is best for your circumstances with the help of a seasoned L1A visa attorney.

The L-1A and L-1B visas are two types of L-1 visas. An executive or manager can be transferred by a U.S. employer from one of its associated international offices to a U.S. office using an L-1A visa. The key difference between the L-1A and L-1B visas is the intended recipient of each. Employees with specialized knowledge are eligible for the L-1B visa, whereas firm executives and managers are covered by the L-1A visa. Benefits you may get with an L1 visa include:

• Extended stay duration
• Visa with dual intent
• No minimum salary requirements
• Potential immigration for your family

What’s the Process for Obtaining an L1 Visa?

Depending on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) location where the petition was filed and the intricacy of the case, the processing period for an L-1 visa may differ. Usually, L-1 visa processing times are substantially quicker than those of other work visa classifications. Some process steps include:

1. Filing a petition. Employers file Form I-129 to USCIS and receive a response within two to four months.
2. Processing through a consulate.  To obtain a visa, you must make an appointment with a U.S. consulate or embassy.
3. Paying the fee. Employers pay a $2,500 U.S. dollar premium processing fee.
4. Waiting for processing. The length of time it takes to complete an L1 visa depends on the consular post, the location of the application and other factors. Applicants from the U.K. should be aware that there are notable variations in the times required to get an L1 visa.
5. Handling possible delays. The USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence, which could cause delays.
6. Arriving in the U.S. After your arrival, your L-1A/L-1B visas lawyer advises you when you can apply for a green card.

Before proceeding further there are some basic requirements of the L category visa for business and investment purposes that must be fulfilled as well, such as:

• Must have a business idea for start-up.
• For investors, authentication is required of the business where they want to invest.
• Foreign workers must have worked full-time for at least a year in three years before filing an L1 petition.
• Foreign corporate employment must be in a managerial, executive or specialized knowledge role.

The L1 visa application process can be complex. And because L1 petitions have been abused so frequently, USCIS has grown considerably stricter and more critical of them. Seeking legal counsel from an L-1 visa attorney as soon as possible maximizes your chances of having your L1 visa approved.

What Can I Expect from the Visa Interview?

You must appear in person for a visa interview if you’re applying for an L1 visa, whether you do so on your own or with legal counsel. The questions you’ll be asked during your L1 visa interview are decided by the adjudicating officer. Whether applying for an L-1A or L-1B visa, questions you’ll be asked may include:

• Have you already had a job in the United States?
• What professional experiences do you have?
• Where are you staying in the U.S.?
• Will you be in charge of hiring and firing staff members?
• How recently did you hire someone?
• How will you make hiring and firing decisions?

For the interview, bring the documentation that was required on your application just in case they ask for further proof and want to see the documents, which may include:

• Completed Form DS-160
• Employer’s Form I-797
• Valid passport with recent and expired photos
• Interview appointment letter in original and photocopy formats
• Petition I-129 with receipt
• Resume and six months’ bank statements
• Income tax documentation

Processing of your application may be delayed and possible deportation actions started if you don’t prepare thoroughly for the interview, don’t have the necessary L1 visa documentation to prove your eligibility, don’t know the answers to the questions or are unable to provide them.

Why Should I Hire an L-1A/L-1B Visas Attorney?

You can be sure that the applicant, the foreign company and the U.S. company are eligible for the L-1 Visa with the guidance of an L-1 visa attorney. They also offer directions and guide you on whether you’re qualified for the L1A visa or L1B visa, as well as:

• Handling complex file issues
• Attending scheduled interviews
• Exploring all potential case options
• Tracking your application
• Appealing your case if it’s rejected

Contact Kats Immigration Law in NYC to get the process going so you can begin your new job as soon as possible. If you’re not in New York City, call to arrange a virtual consultation before you or your company begins the application process.