bridgdav

OK I'm an Englishman currently living in the USA - 1 year down on a 3 year 'Inter company transfer' L1 - Visa.

My Visa has my companies name on it - as they are my sponsor..

Let's say I get an offer from another company in USA (head hunted for instance)

What would be my options..?
Is the L1 Visa transferable..?
Would I need to go back to UK for a new application..?
Apply for another type of Visa from within USA..?
Green card application would take too long.

Any advice would be greatfully received.. TIA.

scrubbedexpat099

H1b - if qualified.

Bob

If the company were under the same umbrella, like moving from a Disney owned studio to another, or from say Sony owned studio to another Sony owned studio etc.

If it were a completely different entity, you'd need them to get a H1B if the position qualified for it and you are eligible.

bridgdav

Similar company - similar business

Same expertise and reasons for specialist L1B visa would apply.

S Folinsky

If I remember correctly, the job portability provisions do not apply to a change from L-1b for employer X to an H-1b for employer Y. IOW, the mere filing of the I-129 is not sufficient to start work at the new place.

Bob

It has to be under the same umbrella...so if it's a completely separate entity, they'll have to apply for a H1B and you'll have to wait till you get it....on the plus side, quota hasn't been met yet and it's already October, so with premium processing, can get a decision pretty quickly.

md95065

"similar" doesn't help - different employer means new visa - probably H1-B

No - one of the "reasons" for an L1 visa would not apply with a new employer because your new job would not be a "transfer" within the company and you would not have been employed by them for at least 12 months outside of the US ...

ian-mstm

You must work for the company for one year prior to being eligible for an L-1A/B visa.

Ian