L-1A Visas: Expanding Your Global Business to the United States

The L-1A nonimmigrant visa allows foreign companies to transfer executives or managers to an existing U.S. office or to send them to the United States to establish a new one. At the Law Office of Andrew R. Sones, we assist international businesses in navigating the complex "Qualifying Relationship" and "Doing Business" requirements necessary for a successful petition.

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From our office in Delray Beach, Florida, we provide strategic counsel to multinational entities—from established corporations to ambitious startups—ensuring that every Form I-129 filing is structured to withstand the high level of scrutiny applied to intracompany transfers.

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The "New Office" L-1A: A Strategic Entry Point

For many of our clients in the UK, Europe, and beyond, the "New Office" L-1A is the first step toward a permanent U.S. presence. Unlike a standard L-1A, a New Office petition is approved for one year and requires a robust business plan showing that the U.S. entity will support an executive or managerial position within that timeframe.

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Key Requirements We Address:

• Qualifying Relationship: Documenting the parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary link between the foreign and U.S. companies.

• Managerial or Executive Capacity: Proving that the transferee will primarily manage the organization or a department, rather than performing the day-to-day operational tasks.

• Physical Premises: Ensuring your lease or office agreement meets the specific USCIS requirements for a new office.

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We bring a forensic level of detail to your corporate documentation, instead of just filing out forms. We help you build a comprehensive "Evidence Portfolio" that includes detailed organizational charts, duty breakdowns, and financial projections.

 

Benefits of the L-1A Visa:

1. Dual Intent: The L-1A is a "dual intent" visa, making it a seamless bridge to the EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers.

2. Spousal Work Authorization: L-2S spouses are authorized to work in the U.S. incident to their status.

3. No Prevailing Wage Requirement: Unlike the H-1B, the L-1A does not require a formal LCA from the Department of Labor.

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L-1A Visa FAQ

What is the difference between an L-1A and an L-1B?

The L-1A is for Managers and Executives, while the L-1B is for employees with Specialized Knowledge. The L-1A is generally preferred for those seeking a path to permanent residency, as it aligns directly with the EB-1C immigrant category.

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Does a "Manager" have to supervise people?

Not necessarily. You may qualify as a "Functional Manager" if you manage an essential function of the business at a high level, even without direct reports. I specialize in framing functional manager cases to meet USCIS standards.

 

Can I use Premium Processing for an L-1A?

Yes. For an additional fee, USCIS will adjudicate your I-129 petition within 15 days. This is often the preferred route for businesses with urgent relocation needs.

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Start Your U.S. Expansion Today:

• Schedule a Consultation: calendly.com/imm-law

• Office Location: Delray Beach, South Florida

• Attorney Bio: soneslaw.com/about

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