Intracompany Transferees (L-1)
L-1 visas are available to executives, managers and specialized knowledge employees transferring to their employer's U.S. affiliate, after having been employed abroad for the petitioning employer for one year. Executives and managers holding L-1 visas may be eligible for permanent residency without the need for labor certification.

Overview: 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.

Procedure: To obtain an L visa, a petition is submitted by the U.S. Company to the USCIS 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. NOTE: Due to the regulation permitting Canadian citizens to enter without a visa, they may apply for L visas directly at the US/Canadian border without submitting a petition to the USCIS.

Dependents: The spouse and minor children of an L-1 visa holder may accompany the foreign national on L-2 visas. They are permitted to attend school in the U.S., but are not eligible to work.