The L-1A nonimmigrant visa allows a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its foreign offices to a U.S. office. It also permits a foreign company without a U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the U.S. to establish one.
There are two types of L-1 visas:
- L-1A: For managers and executives transferring to a U.S. office or coming to establish a U.S. office.
- L-1B: For specialized employees with essential skills or knowledge.
In both cases, the employer (the petitioning employer) submits the visa application.
To qualify for either L-1A or L-1B, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one continuous year in the past 36 months.
The L-1A visa allows a maximum stay of up to 7 years, while the L-1B grants up to 5 years. If the employee has previously worked in the U.S. on an H visa, that time may be deducted from the total allowed stay.
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