L1-B to L1-A transfer
Jan 12th 2011, 10:31 pm
#1
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L1-B to L1-A transfer
Hi, I'm on L1-B now, done the 3yrs and started the 2yr extension last Feb. Expires May 2012. GC application filed with priority date 2008.
Got promoted last July to a manager, 14 direct reports, and in July 2011 I plan to apply to transfer to L1-A. Anyone done this transfer and any advice, how long it took etc?
I think this will buy me another 2 years, which I hope will be enough for my priority date to come up for GC.
Got promoted last July to a manager, 14 direct reports, and in July 2011 I plan to apply to transfer to L1-A. Anyone done this transfer and any advice, how long it took etc?
I think this will buy me another 2 years, which I hope will be enough for my priority date to come up for GC.
Jan 12th 2011, 11:28 pm
#2
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
Ask the company lawyer?
Jan 12th 2011, 11:46 pm
#3
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
Yes, I have a call with them next week. Just looking for advice / info from someone else who has gone through this same transfer before.
Jan 18th 2011, 1:32 am
#4
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
I did a L1-B to L1-A transfer, it took a couple of months from my recollection (also in Boston).
be careful about the requirement "The employee must have worked for a subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of your US company outside of the US for at least one year out of the last three years." You want to be sure not to have 'timed out' on that.
You should enquire about doing a filing for an L1-A to GC as well as the L1-A will only give you 2 extra years. The L1-A to GC is much quicker than L1-B to GC as there is no labour certification required.
be careful about the requirement "The employee must have worked for a subsidiary, parent, affiliate or branch office of your US company outside of the US for at least one year out of the last three years." You want to be sure not to have 'timed out' on that.
You should enquire about doing a filing for an L1-A to GC as well as the L1-A will only give you 2 extra years. The L1-A to GC is much quicker than L1-B to GC as there is no labour certification required.
Jan 18th 2011, 3:32 am
#5
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
yes- might be quicker to restart the green card application as it can take 6 months from an L1A
Jan 18th 2011, 10:03 pm
#6
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
Good tip, thanks!
Jan 19th 2011, 4:35 am
#7
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
As far as I am aware, occasionally an L1-B holder qualifies for first preference green card directly and in these cases there is normally no need to transfer to L1-A first. But check with an attorney.
Jan 19th 2011, 6:33 pm
#8
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
I could be wrong..but I thought that to get the L1A you had to have been management level in your 'home' office as well? i.e. your promotion here wouldnt make a difference to your eligibility. I'm pretty sure that was the case with me.
I was on L1B..my initial 3 years ran out this month so they switched me over to H1B..gives me a bit more time and I think make green card sponsorship easier.
I was on L1B..my initial 3 years ran out this month so they switched me over to H1B..gives me a bit more time and I think make green card sponsorship easier.
Jan 19th 2011, 7:42 pm
#9
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
I was told my time as a manager in the US would count as equivalent to that requirement.
Feb 9th 2011, 1:38 pm
#12
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
Just to update you, I spoke to the lawyer on Monday. They informed me that after 6 months of being promoted I can apply for the switch from L-1B to L-1A. Which is now 
They are also looking to see if H might be a better option for me as the L-1A might not buy me enough time until GC comes through. (I have a priority date of 08/12/2008 in EB-3 right now. At the moment EB-3 applications are being processed for individuals with priority dates of 04/01/2005 and previous). As I don't have a degree, they have to document 12 years of work experience to count as equivalent and then see if I can go on a H visa.
They don't think moving to L-1A changes the EB category, because I did not transfer to the US in that status (was not a manager in UK before).
They are also looking to see if H might be a better option for me as the L-1A might not buy me enough time until GC comes through. (I have a priority date of 08/12/2008 in EB-3 right now. At the moment EB-3 applications are being processed for individuals with priority dates of 04/01/2005 and previous). As I don't have a degree, they have to document 12 years of work experience to count as equivalent and then see if I can go on a H visa.
They don't think moving to L-1A changes the EB category, because I did not transfer to the US in that status (was not a manager in UK before).
Last edited by FlatDog; Feb 9th 2011 at 1:57 pm.
Apr 4th 2011, 3:27 pm
#13
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
Latest update. My company filed my H-1B petition last Friday (April 1st), Premium Processing. Will keep you posted how long it takes.
Apr 21st 2011, 10:30 pm
#14
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Re: L1-B to L1-A transfer
My H-1B was approved today 
