USA L1 and L2 Visa
The USA L1 and L2 visas are necessary for people and their families who desire to live and work in the US as part of a multinational corporation’s activities. These visas are intended to enable foreign employees to transfer to a U.S. branch subsidiary or affiliate of their firm, while simultaneously providing family members with the chance to accompany them to the United States.
- Employees of multinational corporations who are being transferred to the United States to work in executive, managerial or specialized knowledge positions are eligible for the L1 visa.
- Spouses and children of L1 visa holders are eligible to live, study and work in the United States with the L2 visa.
The next section will describe L1 and L2 visas, who is eligible to apply, the requirements, expenses, benefits and how Croyez Immigration can help you through the process.
What is the L1 Visa?
Specially designed for employees of multinational companies, this L1 visa allows employees to shift from a company’s foreign office to a U.S. office. Employees in executive, managerial and specialized roles mostly use this visa. L1 visa is of two types:
- L1-A Visa - This category is for managers or executives. The purpose of their transfer to the United States is to supervise or manage activities in a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of their organization.
- L1-B Visa - This visa category is for employees who possess unique knowledge on their company’s products, services, or operations, and they are transferred to the U.S. to share their skills with the U.S. office.
Multinational companies wanting to bring in foreign employees to help them grow and manage their operations in the U.S. this L1 visa is an excellent option.
What is the L2 Visa?
The L2 visa which is also known as the derivative visa is granted for the family members of the L1 visa holders. Employees with an L1 visa can apply for an L2 visa to enable their spouses and kids under the age of 21 to live with them in the USA. The L2 visa holders can:
- Work: Spouses of L1 visa holders can legally work and earn for their living once they arrive in the U.S.
- Study: Children who hold an L2 visa can study in U.S. schools without a separate study visa.
Families can stay together while the primary applicant works in the United States because of the L2 visa.
Requirements for USA L1 and L2 Visa
To apply for the USA L1 and L2 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements.
Requirements of L1 Visa
Employer Requirements
- There must be a connection between the U.S. organization and a foreign company (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, etc.).
- The employee must be able to transfer to the U.S. company's office.
Employee REquirements
- During the previous three years, the applicant must have spent at least one year working for the foreign company.
- An executive, management, or specialist knowledge position must be the reason for the employee's visit to the United States.
Requirements of L2 Visa
As the L2 visa is for family members, it is easier. The applicant must be the spouse or a child who is not married under 21 of an L1 visa holder in order to be eligible. Candidates must present documentation, such as marriage or birth certificates, attesting to their relationship to the L1 visa holder.
Advantages of the USA L1 and L2 Visa
Employees and their families can benefit greatly from both USA L1 and L2 Visa.Advantages of L1 Visa
- Work in the United States: Foreign workers with an L1 visa are permitted to hold managerial or specialist positions in the United States lawfully.
- Multiple Entries: International firms benefit from the ability of L1 visa holders to enter and exit the United States during the visa's validity.
- Route to Green Card: Executives and managers with L1-A visas may apply for a Green Card under the EB-1C category, which provides a means of obtaining a permanent residence in the United States.
- Family Benefits: Under the L2 visa, holders of an L1 visa are permitted to bring their spouse and kids to the United States.
Advantages of L2 Visa
- Work Authorization: After obtaining work authorization, the spouse of an L1 visa holder is permitted to work in the USA under the L2 visa.
- Not Requiring a Student Visa: Those having an L2 visa are able to study in the US without requiring a separate student visa.
- Extended Stay: Families can stay together for a longer duration because the L2 visa is valid as long as the L1 visa holder is still in the United States.
How to Apply for a USA L1 and L2 Visa?
L1 Visa Application Process
- Company Submits Petition: The employer certifies that the employee matches the requirements for an L1 visa by submitting a petition on Form I-129 to USCIS.
- Approval Notice: A Form I-797 approval notice is sent by USCIS following the petition's approval.
- Application for Visa: At a U.S. consulate, the employee submits an application for an L1 visa by completing the DS-160 form, requesting an interview, and providing the necessary paperwork.
- Visa Issued: The employee can begin working in the United States after their application is approved and their passport is stamped with their L1 visa.
L2 Visa Application Process
- L2 Visa Application: After the L1 petition is granted, the L1 visa holder's spouse and kids submit an application for the L2 visa. They must complete the DS-160 form and submit supporting documentation, such as birth or marriage certificates.
- Visa Interview: In order to prove their relationship to the L1 visa holder, L2 applicants must appear for an interview at the US consulate.
- Visa Issued: The applicant's passport is stamped with the L2 visa if it is granted
USA L1 and L2 Visa Cost
| Visa Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| L1 Visa | Form filing fee | $460 |
| Visa application fee | $190 approx | |
| Additional charges | Varies | |
| L2 Visa | Visa application fee | $190 approx |
| Biometric Fee | $85 |
L1 vs L2 Visas – Quick Comparison
| Feature | L1 Visa | L2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Employees who are in special or managerial roles in multinational companies can apply. | Unmarried children under the age of 21 and spouses of L1 Visa holders can apply. |
| Objective | Allows employees to work for a specific company in the U.S | Family members of the L1 visa holders can live and work in the U.S |
| Work Authorization | Employee is authorized | The spouse of the employee is work authorized. |
| Duration | 1-5 years | Valid until the L1 visa holders validity |
| Path to Green Card | Yes | Yes if the L1 visa holder applies for PR |
How Croyez Immigration Can Help You with L1 and L2 Visa Applications
The USA L1 and L2 visa applications are a bit challenging and time consuming. Croyez immigration can assist you with that. Our team of expert immigration lawyers and consultants are available to help you at every stage of the process. This is how we can help you:
Eligibility Evaluation: We will evaluate your profile and decide whether an L1 or L2 visa is the better choice for you.
Documents Preparation: We will assist you in gathering and arranging all the necessary documents so that your application is accurate.
Submit Your Petition: Before submitting your petition to the USCIS, our team of experts will make sure your L1 petition satisfies all legal requirements.
Interview Preparation: During your interview, you can make an excellent case with our ideas and guidance.
Ongoing Support: We will be there for you at every turn, answering your questions, giving you guidance, and taking care of any difficulties you might have.
For employees and their families, the L1 and L2 visas present excellent options. While the L2 visa permits their families to accompany them, the L1 visa permits foreign employees to bring their expertise to the United States. It's crucial to understand the prerequisites, advantages, and expenses if you're considering applying.
We at Croyez Immigration are available to help you with each stage of the L1 and L2 visa application process. To begin, get in touch with us right now!