Transfer of Overseas Employees and Managers
Multinational companies seeking to transfer managers, executives and personnel with specialized knowledge from overseas to the United States may obtain L-1 visas.

To be eligible for the visa, the foreign national must have worked for the company overseas in one of the past three years in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge position, and demonstrate that he or she qualifies for the position in the United States. Additionally, the company in the United States must demonstrate that it is the parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the foreign employer.

To obtain an L visa, a petition is submitted by the U.S. company to the INS in the United States, including evidence of the factors listed above. Once the application has been approved, the foreign national will obtain a visa at a U.S. consulate overseas. More on L Visas