Navigating U.S. Intracompany Transfer Visas: L1-A vs. L1-B
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The United States offers a variety of visa options for individuals seeking to work, study, or live in the country. Among these are the L1-A and L1-B visas, which are designed for intra-company transferees. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two. This article will delve into the specifics of each visa type, its requirements, and primary differences.
What is an L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows companies operating both in the U.S. and abroad to transfer certain classes of employees from their foreign operations to their U.S. operations for up to seven years. The L-1 visa is beneficial for multinational companies as it allows them to bring over key personnel to manage and establish operations in the U.S.
L-1A vs. L-1B
1. L1-A Visa- this visa is for intracompany transferees who work in managerial or executive positions in a company that is located outside the United States.
To qualify for L1-A visa category, you must:
- Have been working for a qualifying company outside the United States for one (1) year within the past three (3) years immediately before your admission to the U.S.; and
- Have an interest in coming to the U.S. to provide your skills in a managerial or executive position for a branch of the same employer or a qualifying organization.
Initially, the L1-A visa is granted for a period of up to three (3) years but can be extended in increments of up to two (2) years. The maximum duration of stay is seven (7) years.
2. L1-B Visa- this visa is for intracompany transferees who work in positions requiring specialized knowledge. An applicant may be considered with specialized knowledge if they have:
- Special knowledge of the petitioning employer’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its applications in international markets; or
- Advanced knowledge in the organization’s specific processes and procedures that is not commonly found in the relevant industry.
L1-B visa holders can initially stay for up to three (3) years, with the possibility of extending their stay for an additional two (2) years, making the total maximum stay five (5) years.
Both visas offer the advantage of allowing companies to bring key personnel to the U.S. L1-A visa holders have a more straightforward path to obtaining a green card, while L1-B visa holders can contribute their specialized skills to the U.S. branch.