Get the Opportunity to Work in the USA with the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa!

FRONTMARCH 5, 2025 / IN BLOGS, L-1A INTRA-COMPANY TRANSFER VISA, TR

Asım Kılınç, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

This week, in my weekly series of informative articles about visa types, we'll be focusing on the L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa. The L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa is one of the most frequently asked US visas by my clients. In this article, I'll answer frequently asked questions about the L-1A. By reading this article, you'll have found the answers to the following questions:

• What is an L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• What are the Advantages of Applying for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?
• Who Can Apply for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?
• What are the Requirements to Apply for an L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• Where to Apply for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?
• How to Apply for an L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?
• What to Expect After Applying for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?

If you have any questions about the L-1A visa type, please feel free to contact me through the comments section below this article, by sending me a message directly on LinkedIn, or through the contact section on the website of CK Law Firm, the immigration attorney firm of which I am a founding partner.

What is an L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa is a type of visa issued to executives who come to the United States for temporary business purposes, typically those transferring to an office in the United States for an international company. This visa is designed for individuals transferring to work in a managerial position within a U.S. business.

The L-1A visa allows international companies to flexibly manage their global workforce and is an important tool for companies looking to support business operations in the United States.

What are the Advantages of Applying for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?

The L-1A Intracorporate Transfer Visa offers executives of international companies the opportunity to work in the US and progress to senior management positions. Once approved, the applicant can work in the US for a specified period. It is initially granted for 1-3 years and can be extended up to 7 years if necessary. L-1A visa holders can apply for permanent residence (Green Card) in the US after meeting certain requirements. The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of an L-1A visa holder can also apply for an L-2 visa. With an L-2 visa, spouses can apply for a work permit and gain the right to work in the US. These advantages of the L-1A visa provide significant benefits for both individuals and companies.

Who Can Apply for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?

It's possible for executives or senior managers to come to the United States via an intracompany transfer. Individuals who meet the following requirements are eligible to apply for this visa:

• The applicant must have worked for the company for one year in the last three-year period before applying for the visa.
• The applicant must be working in a managerial or senior management position for another branch of the same employer upon arrival in the United States.

What are the Requirements to Apply for an L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

In order to apply for an L1-A visa, there are general conditions that must be met:

• Employer Status: Applicant must be employed by a U.S. company or a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or parent company of an international company.
• Job Position: The applicant must be a manager or senior executive in the company.
• Intercompany Relationship: There must be a commercial relationship between the company the applicant works for and the company in the United States.
• Length of Work: The applicant must have worked for the company for at least one year in the last three-year period before applying for the visa.
• Position in America: The applicant will continue to work as a manager or senior executive in the position he/she will work in America.

The L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa application process is typically initiated by the employer. Employing companies must submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to the USCIS on behalf of their employees applying for the L-1A visa and pay the application fee.

Where to Apply for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?

The L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa application is submitted by the applicant's employer and is processed through USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).

How to Apply for an L-1A Intra-Company Transfer Visa?

The L1-A visa application process is initiated by the applicant's employer and proceeds as follows:

Employer's Application to USCIS:

The employer completes Form I-129. The employer must also include supporting documents with the form. These documents include:

• Documents proving the suitability of the employer and the applicant,
• Evidenсe that the employer company is actively doing business in the United States,
• Documents showing that the applicant has worked as a manager or senior manager for at least one year in the last three years,
• The job description and nature of the position indicating that the applicant will be working in the United States as a manager or senior executive.

From Submitting I-129:

Form I-129 and supporting documents are sent to the USCIS office designated by the employer's location.

What to Expect After Applying for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?

After applying for an L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa, the process begins with USCIS reviewing the I-129 form and supporting documents submitted by the employer:

• RFE (Request for Evidence): USCIS may request additional information or documentation.
• Approval or Denial: USCIS approves or denies the application. If approved, the employer and applicant receive a notification of approval (Form I-797).

The visa application process varies depending on whether you are in the United States or another country.

1. For Applicants from Outside the US

After receiving the USCIS approval notice, the applicant must complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). After making an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, they must attend an interview and pay the visa fee.

2. Change of Status for Applicants Within the US

If the applicant is already in the United States, they can apply for a change of status after receiving USCIS approval.

Consequently, it's crucial to provide careful and accurate information and documentation at every stage of the application process. Due to the complexity of the process and the legal requirements, it may be beneficial to seek assistance from an immigration attorney. You can also contact me directly via LinkedIn for a free consultation to determine your eligibility for an L1-A visa.

Who is Lawyer Asım Kılınç?

As the founding partner of CK Law Firm, Attorney Asım Kılınç stands out for his years of experience and expertise in both international law and the American legal system. Having completed his master's degree at Southern Methodist University's Dedman School of Law, Kılınç is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and specializes in US immigration law. His in-depth knowledge and experience in immigration law, in particular, significantly contribute to CK Law Firm's success in this field. Having participated in the preparation of over 1,000 immigration cases, Attorney Kılınç has proven his expertise in this field. He provides comprehensive and professional legal support to his clients, facilitating their adaptation to their new lives in the US.

Reinforcing CK Law Firm's leadership in immigration law, Attorney Kılınç provides her clients with reliable and effective legal counsel, supporting them on their journey to establishing a new life in the US. She strives to ensure her clients receive the highest quality service in citizenship, Green Card, work permit, and other immigration processes, supporting them throughout the entire process from inception to US citizenship.