New Office L-1A Visa
This visa allows foreign companies to send executives or managers to the U.S. to establish a new office and expand their operations.
The New Office L-1A visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables multinational companies to transfer an executive or manager from one of their affiliated foreign offices to a new office in the United States. This category also permits foreign businesses that do not yet have a U.S. presence to send key personnel to the U.S. to establish and operate a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Who Qualifies as an Executive or Manager?
To qualify for a New Office L-1A visa, the applicant must fit the definition of an executive or manager:
- Executives: Individuals with the authority to make high-level decisions with minimal oversight.
- Managers: Individuals who supervise and control the work of other managers, professionals, or supervisory employees, or who manage a key function within the organization.
What Qualifies as a ‘New Office’?
A “new office” refers to a U.S. operation that has been doing business for less than one year. The foreign company must:
- Secure a physical location for the office in the U.S.
- Demonstrate the financial ability to begin operations
- Submit a detailed plan for business growth and staffing
Initial Stay and Extension
Once approved, the executive or manager is granted an initial stay of one year to:
- Establish the U.S. office
- Set up infrastructure and operations
- Hire staff and launch business activity
To extend the visa beyond the first year, the company must demonstrate that:
- The office is actively doing business
- The executive or manager continues to play a qualifying role
Extensions can be granted in two-year increments, up to a maximum of seven years.
Pathway to a Green Card
The L-1A visa offers a potential path to permanent residency. After a qualifying period, an L-1A visa holder may apply for a green card through the EB-1C category, which does not require labor certification.
Why Work with US-ILC?
Applying for a New Office L-1A visa is a complex process that demands substantial documentation and strategic planning. We guide you through each step with precision and clarity, helping ensure your application meets every requirement.
