Businesses that function both in the United States and in their home country gain the benefits of the best of both areas. The L-1 visa is open to international organizations with offices in the US, and who transfer employees to the US office for temporary periods of time. This visa is sometimes referred to as the 'intra-company transferee' visa. To obtain an L-1 visa, you must be able to prove that you have worked for the non-US company for at least one full year within the last three years as an executive, manager or employee with specialized knowledge. The L-1 visa enables the transfer of managers, executives and specialized knowledge personnel to a US office, subsidiary or affiliated company. This visa comes in the following categories: 1. L-1A visas - for executives and managers 2. L-1B visas - for personnel with specialized knowledge Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are allowed to join you in the US, under L-2 status. They are not allowed to work, but can attend school or college. Servants may be eligible for a B-1 visa with work authorization.

Steps

The employer must file a petition with the USCIS Regional Service Center with jurisdiction over the location of the position. These documents should be photocopies of the oiriginals. The USCIS will inform you of acceptance or denial of the petition within 30 days. Upon approval, the USCIS will forward the petition to the US Consulate nearest your place of residence for review. If you are not in the US when your petition is approved, you must get your visa stamped at the US consulate before being allowed to enter the US Your employer will recieve Form I-797. After receipt of the I-797, you must then file-in Form DS-156 at the Consulate. If your petition is not approved due to missing documents, USCIS will request further documentation. You will have 12 weeks to respond. If approved, your visa will be valid for 3 years. Blanket Petition: A blanket petition eases the process of gettign the L-1 visa. If a company has been defined as a blanket petition entity by USCIS, the company can directly authorize L-1 visas to eligible employees.

Documents

To apply for an L-1 Visa, you must supply the following documents:

1. A filled-in visa application Form DS-156.

2. One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.

3. A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.

4. The employee copy of Form I-797. The Notice of Action, this petition is filed-in to the USCIS by your employer.

5. USCIS Form I-129, and the L Supplement.

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