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The USA offers a pathway for Multinational corporation individuals in the organisation holding significant roles and responsibilities to transfer to the US office. The authorised pathway designed by the US immigration for those key personnel is are USA L1 and L2 Visas, where their family members are also allowed to accompany them. The objective of the visa is to support global business and family reunification. In this blog, we will learn all about USA L1 and L2 Visa and answer for questions like:

• How long does an L1 visa take?
• Is L1 visa eligible for green card?
• What documents are needed for L1 visa?

1. L1 visa: This US intra-company transfer visa is offered to the key personnel of the company for intra?company transfers. This is given to executives, managers, or specialised knowledge employees.
2. L2 visa: This visa is provided to their dependents like spouses and unmarried children under 21.
This L1 visa from India to the USA  supports multinational employees to enjoy a smooth transition to the US branch, eliminating all the complicated procedures for a standard work visa. This ultimately facilitates the work continuity along with family integration.

What Is an L1 Visa?

Full name: Intra-Company Transfer Visa
The L1 visa USA is offered to employees who have been transferred to a US branch by their Multinational company.  

Categories of L1

• L1A - This visa is given to individuals holding executive and managerial positions.
• L1B - This visa is provided to the specialised knowledge workers.

Purpose

The work should normally obtain an H-1 B visa to legally work in the USA. This visa eliminates the hardship of getting an H-1 B visa. This visa is a game changer for the Ideal company's strategic needs and skill transfers.

Validity & Extension

• L1A: Initially, the visa period is given for 3 years, then it is extendable up to 7 years
• L1B: Initially, the visa period is given for  3 years, then it is extendable up to 5 years

 
To reduce the L1 Visa processing time, Premium processing is also available, which further reduces it to approximately 15 calendar days. For this, the applicant has to fill out the specific form called Form I?907, and the application fee for the form is $2,800.  

L1 Visa Eligibility Criteria

Listed below are the qualifications drafted for the L1 Visa: 

• The applicant must be employed by the multinational company for a minimum of one continuous year within the past three years
• The applicant can transfer to their company’s US branch, affiliate, parent, or subsidiary
• The applicant must hold an executive, managerial (L1A), or specialised knowledge (L1B) role to travel through this visa

L1 visa USA requirements

Listed are the L1 visa required documents

• Form I?129 + L Supplement
• Company letter drafted about the employment history, role, and purpose of transfer
• Organisational chart showing the reporting structure and US position
• Employment verification, detailed job descriptions along with the specialised knowledge documentation for L1B
• Proof of business relationship documents between the foreign and US entities

Other Considerations

What is the salary requirement for L1 visa?

• Salary requirement for L1 visa: There is no fixed threshold, but teh hike must be equivalent with the executive/managerial role or specialized knowledge position.
• L1 visa from India to USA: Indians should file DS-160 for the visa and attend the visa interview in the authorised US Visa consulate located in cities like chennai, mumbai etc., The applicant must go for the interview with the proper documentation supporting their employment.

What Is an L2 Visa?

The L2 visa USA is offered by the US consulate to the dependents of the L1 visa holders. The dependents can be of spouse and unmarried children under 21.

• The duration of the visa period is aligned with the duration of the principal L1 holder’s authorized stay
• During their stay in US the spouse can apply for Employment Authorisation Document, to work legally under the permit.
• Children can have their education full-time with the L2 visa itself, without the need for applying for F-1 student visas.

L2 Visa Benefits and Work Permit

Work Eligibility (Spouse)

L2 visa work permit

• In 2022, USCIS started to give automatic EAD to L2 visa holding spouses, this will eventually eliminate the process to fill and file Form I?765 in many cases.
• Once EAD is approved to the spouse, Social Security Number (SSN) will be given and with that the L2 holder can work full or part-time in the US during their stay.

Study Eligibility (Children)

• Children who have travelled to US on L2  visa can attend public or private schools from kindergarten through grade 12, and if they are willing, they can later apply for F?1 visas for higher education, which is not mandatory until their 21 age.

Other Perks

• L2 holders can open bank accounts, get a driver's license, and engage in lawful activities without restriction.

Key Differences Between L1 and L2 Visas

How to Apply for an L1 or L2 Visa

L1 Visa Application

1. Employer files Form I?129 Application for Nonimmigrant Worker with (USCIS) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services + L supplement for L classification visa.
2. Premium processing can be opted with applicant wishes for faster processing time , and should apply through the Form I?907 , the processing time takes only for 15 days.
3. After I?129 approval, the applicant can file DS?160 online via official website.
4. Now, the applicany must pay visa fees and schedule a consular interview
5. Attend biometrics & interview, submit the organised required documentation
6. If approved, The L1 visa will be  issued to legally enter into US at port-of-entry

L2 Visa Application

• L2 visa application must be applied after the L1 petition is approved
• The dependent must apply using DS?160 and pay the provided application fees
• The next step is to atten the interview, which is usually shorter focusing mainly on the  dependent relationship documentation
• Once visa is granted, L2  status holder is allowed to enter into US.  

Timeline & Fees

• L1 processing time is usually takes for about  2 - 5 months regular application;  and the processing will be done for the 15 days with the applicant opting for premium processing
• L2 visa processing time will be concurrent with or shortly after to their L1 visa
• The application fees for the form I?129  is $460 and for the premium processing form will be  $2,500. For the visa application it will be $190 each and you will have to pay $85 for biometrics

Can You Convert an L1 or L2 Visa to a Green Card?

The both the isa holder can apply for permanent residency for both L1 visa to green card and L2 visa to green card

L1A 

The L1 Visa holders (Multinational Executive/Manager) can apply for permanent residency through EB?1C. For this , they need not furnish the Permanent Labor Certification(PERM) labor certification. This is a faster pathway t the permanent residency

L1B  EB?2/EB?3

• PERM is required to apply for the permanent residency for this provision
• The processing time may take be longer for this application

L2 Dependents

If principal applicant gains the PR status, L2 spouse and children also receive green cards, this visa is subjected to derivative beneficiaries.

FAQs - USA L1 and L2 Visa

Can I bring my family on L1 visa?
Yes, you can bring along your spouse and unmarried children under 21 under the L2 visas.

Can my spouse work on L2 visa?
Yes, L2 spouses are eligible for automatic EAD - work permit as of 2022, and may work full-time after approval.

How long is the L1 visa valid for?
L1A is valid up to 7 years; L1B up to 5 years, 3 years per extension can be applied.

Is L1 visa better than H1B?
L1 allows intra-company transfer without lottery and can lead to an EB-1C green card. H1B often has wage/profession requirements and an annual cap.

Can an L2 visa holder study in the US?
Yes, They can attend public schools K–12 in the US without need to apply for  a separate F1 student visa.