Are you interested in working in the United States on a temporary basis? One of the most popular visas for temporary employment is the L visa. This visa allows companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices for a temporary period. However, not everyone is eligible for this type of visa. In this article, we will discuss what L visa eligibility requirements you need to meet to be able to work in the United States temporarily.
What is an L Visa?
An L visa is a non-immigrant visa that is designed for workers who are being transferred from their foreign office to their U.S. office. This visa allows these workers to work in the United States for a temporary period, typically up to 3 years, with a possible extension of up to 7 years. There are two types of L visas: L-1A and L-1B. The L-1A visa is for managers and executives, while the L-1B visa is for workers with specialized knowledge.
Who is Eligible for an L Visa?
Not everyone is eligible for an L visa. To be eligible, you must meet certain requirements:
Employment Requirements
You must have worked for the company for at least one year in the last three years. This employment must be in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity. Additionally, you must be coming to the United States to work for the same employer or a subsidiary or affiliate.
Employer Requirements
Your employer must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company. This relationship can be one of four types:
- Parent and subsidiary
- Branch and headquarters
- Affiliate and affiliate
- Sister subsidiary
Your employer must also be doing business in the United States and at least one other country.
Job Requirements
Your job in the United States must be in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity. Additionally, your job in the United States must be temporary, and you must intend to return to your home country after your work in the United States is complete.
Applying for an L Visa
If you meet the eligibility requirements for an L visa, you can apply for one. The application process involves several steps:
Step 1: File Form I-129
Your employer must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must be filed on your behalf.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents
Your employer must submit supporting documents with Form I-129. These documents may include evidence of your employment with the foreign company, evidence of your job in the United States, and evidence of your employer’s qualifying relationship with the foreign company.
Step 3: Attend a Visa Interview
If your Form I-129 is approved, you will attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. At the interview, you will be asked questions about your job, your qualifications, and your intent to return to your home country.
Conclusion
If you meet the eligibility requirements for an L visa, this can be a great opportunity to work in the United States temporarily. However, the application process can be complicated, so it’s important to work with your employer and an immigration attorney to ensure that you meet all of the requirements and submit a strong application.
