The L-1 visa is designed for intra-company transferees, allowing multinational companies to transfer employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. This visa is divided into two categories: L-1A for executives and managers, and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge. To qualify, the employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role.
The U.S. employer must be a branch, parent, affiliate, or subsidiary of the foreign company. The employee must be coming to work in a similar role in the U.S. The L-1 visa allows for temporary stays, typically up to one year for new offices or up to seven years for established offices, depending on the role. Documentation required includes proof of the qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign company and the employee’s qualifications.