L1 Visa help
Mar 28th 2019, 1:04 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 5
L1 Visa help
Hi Everyone
I will apologise straight away if my question is stupid or if i am over complicating the situation in my own head.
I work for one of the Big 4 accountancy firms and am in the process of starting talks on transferring to the US. I understand that the visa type will be determined by my employer, however my preference would be to go on an L1, therefore my husband could also join me and work too. My question is, can i transfer permanently to the US using the L1 visa and then apply for a Green Card or is the L1 visa solely used to transfer employee's on short term assignments.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer me
I will apologise straight away if my question is stupid or if i am over complicating the situation in my own head.
I work for one of the Big 4 accountancy firms and am in the process of starting talks on transferring to the US. I understand that the visa type will be determined by my employer, however my preference would be to go on an L1, therefore my husband could also join me and work too. My question is, can i transfer permanently to the US using the L1 visa and then apply for a Green Card or is the L1 visa solely used to transfer employee's on short term assignments.
Thank you in advance for any help you can offer me
Mar 28th 2019, 1:26 pm
#2
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,446
Re: L1 Visa help
An L-1 is inherently temporary, after an initial period the L-1A can be extended to a maximum of 7 years, and the L-1B to 5 years.
You can't apply for a green card at all*, your employer has the option to, and can do so at any time.
The usual advice is (i) get the application for a green card written into the contract to move you to the US, say "after 24 months of satisfactory performance", and (ii) apply at least a year before the end of the period of your L-1 …. 2 years before would be better.
* There are a few rare exceptions, mostly related to technology skills. …. Or if you have $500,000 toinvest throw away, on an Eb-5 investment visa.
You can't apply for a green card at all*, your employer has the option to, and can do so at any time.
The usual advice is (i) get the application for a green card written into the contract to move you to the US, say "after 24 months of satisfactory performance", and (ii) apply at least a year before the end of the period of your L-1 …. 2 years before would be better.
* There are a few rare exceptions, mostly related to technology skills. …. Or if you have $500,000 to
Last edited by Pulaski; Mar 28th 2019 at 1:29 pm.
Mar 28th 2019, 3:26 pm
#3
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 5
Re: L1 Visa help
An L-1 is inherently temporary, after an initial period the L-1A can be extended to a maximum of 7 years, and the L-1B to 5 years.
You can't apply for a green card at all*, your employer has the option to, and can do so at any time.
The usual advice is (i) get the application for a green card written into the contract to move you to the US, say "after 24 months of satisfactory performance", and (ii) apply at least a year before the end of the period of your L-1 …. 2 years before would be better.
* There are a few rare exceptions, mostly related to technology skills. …. Or if you have $500,000 toinvest throw away, on an Eb-5 investment visa.
You can't apply for a green card at all*, your employer has the option to, and can do so at any time.
The usual advice is (i) get the application for a green card written into the contract to move you to the US, say "after 24 months of satisfactory performance", and (ii) apply at least a year before the end of the period of your L-1 …. 2 years before would be better.
* There are a few rare exceptions, mostly related to technology skills. …. Or if you have $500,000 to
I certainly do not have $500,000 to throw away, so will be relying on my employer with the Green Card application.
Thank you again
Mar 29th 2019, 12:38 pm
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2017
Location: Newnan, GA
Posts: 802
Re: L1 Visa help
L1A or B?
I transferred on the L1A in late 2016, while it wasn't in my contract for the Green Card, I did have written conversations showing approval of such approach, and the company began the process in August last year. The process & requirements are very similar, almost identical, for the L1A and the EB1C. At a big four, they almost certainly have a Blanket Approval in place as well, which should make the L visa application a lot smoother as well, and a decent set of lawyers in place who will do a lot of the legwork around the paperwork for you. You'll also be able to tap into a number of people who have gone through the process before with the company.
I transferred on the L1A in late 2016, while it wasn't in my contract for the Green Card, I did have written conversations showing approval of such approach, and the company began the process in August last year. The process & requirements are very similar, almost identical, for the L1A and the EB1C. At a big four, they almost certainly have a Blanket Approval in place as well, which should make the L visa application a lot smoother as well, and a decent set of lawyers in place who will do a lot of the legwork around the paperwork for you. You'll also be able to tap into a number of people who have gone through the process before with the company.
