L-1 Visas in Pittsburgh and Surrounding Counties
Understanding L-1 Visas
An L-1 visa permits a foreign company to transfer an employee to a branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company in the United States. There are two main types of L-1 visas: L-1A for executives or managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
L-1A Visas
The L-1A visa allows a foreign company to transfer an executive or managerial employee to its U.S. office. Eligibility requires the employee to have worked full-time in an executive or managerial role for at least one of the past three years.
Executive Capacity: Involves significant decision-making authority with minimal supervision from higher-level executives, a board of directors, or stockholders.
Managerial Capacity: Involves supervising and controlling the work of professional employees, managing the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization.
Qualifying Relationship: The U.S. company must be a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of the foreign company, with common majority ownership or actual control by the same person or entity.
L-1A visa holders can stay in the U.S. for up to seven years. Many qualify for EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive green cards, which typically avoid backlogs and do not require labor certification.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
L-1B Visas
The L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge about the foreign company, such as its products, services, manufacturing techniques, processes, or equipment. Eligibility requires the employee to have worked full-time for the foreign company for at least one of the past three years.
Specialized Knowledge: Employees must demonstrate knowledge of the company’s specific products, services, processes, or procedures, and show that they will use this knowledge in their U.S. role.
Qualifying Relationship: The relationship requirements for L-1B visas are the same as for L-1A visas.
L-1B visa holders can stay in the U.S. for up to five years. Those seeking a green card usually need to go through the labor certification process.
Application Process for L-1 Visas
The U.S. employer files an L visa petition with the USCIS Service Center in the jurisdiction where the employee will work. Processing times vary, but premium processing is available for a $1,225 fee, ensuring a decision or a request for additional evidence within 15 days.
L-2 Visas for Family Members
L-1 visa holders can bring their spouses and children under 21 to the U.S. on L-2 visas. L-2 visa holders can study and apply for work authorization in the U.S.
Contact an Experienced Business Immigration Attorney in Pittsburgh
If you need expert assistance with L-1 visas, Elias Legal Firm is here to help. Our principal attorney, John M. Elias, Esq., is a highly knowledgeable business immigration attorney who has successfully assisted many employers with L-1A and L-1B petitions.
Schedule a Free Consultation
To discuss your business immigration needs with John M. Elias, please contact Elias Legal Firm at (724) 562-5140 or fill out our online contact form. We offer free consultations in person, by phone, or via secure video conferencing. Weekend consultations are also available upon request.
Contact us today for a free consultation
Greensburg Office
206 N. Main St.
Greensburg, PA 15601
Uniontown Office
45 E. Main St.
Suite 400 Uniontown Pa, 15401