The L1 visa bridges many international professionals to transfer from foreign offices to U.S. offices. If you’re an L1 visa holder considering permanent residency in the United States, this guide outlines the steps in transitioning to a green card.
Understanding L1 Visa Categories and Their Paths to Green Card
- L1A Visa and Green Card Route:
- Visa Definition: The L1A visa is designed for multinational managers or executives.
- Green Card Process: The pathway to a green card for L1A holders is comparatively straightforward. It involves the employer filing an I-140 Petition under the EB1C employment-based immigration category.
- Requirements: Both the applicant and the petitioning employer must meet specific criteria set by USCIS for the EB1C category.
- L1B Visa to Green Card Transition:
- Visa Definition: The L1B visa is tailored for employees with specialized knowledge.
- Green Card Process: Unlike the L1A, L1B visa holders must undergo a labor certification process, known as PERM. This process is a prerequisite to applying for a green card under the EB2 or EB3 categories.
- PERM Process: The PERM process involves the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring there are no suitable U.S. workers available for the role intended for the foreign employee.
Employer’s Role in the Green Card Process
For both L1A and L1B visa holders, the transition to a green card is employer-driven. Employers must initiate and sponsor the green card application process. Self-petitioning is generally not applicable for L1 visa holders.
Special Considerations
- Company owners on an L1A visa may face unique challenges in transitioning to a green card.
- The EB1C route for L1A visa holders typically bypasses the labor certification process, expediting the path to permanent residency.
- The EB2 and EB3 pathways for L1B visa holders are contingent upon successful labor certification, demonstrating the absence of suitable U.S. workers for the role.
Conclusion
Transitioning from an L1 visa to a green card is a significant step towards permanent residency in the United States. It is vital to understand the specific processes and requirements for your visa category and work closely with your employer to ensure a successful application.
Subscribe to Our Resources Blog
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Additional Outside Resources
- L Visas (L-1A and L-1B) for Temporary Workers
- USCIS: Form I-797, Types and Functions
- L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
- I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
- I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers
We Can Help!
You may have questions regarding U.S. immigration laws and visas. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
Contact Us
Similar Posts
L1 Visas for International Business | Successful Case Results
Navigating the Complexity: A Successful L1B Visa Approval for a Technical Sales Professional
Date Last Updated:
Discover the nuances of securing L1B visa approval for a Technical Sales Professional in this insightful case study. Uncover the hurdles faced and the strategies that led to a successful outcome, providing valuable insights into navigating the complexities of USCIS L1B visa approval.
L1 Visas for International Business | Successful Case Results
Navigating from L-1A Visa to EB-1C Green Card: A Successful Business Expansion Story
Date Last Updated:
Explore the journey from an L-1A visa to a coveted EB-1C Green Card through strategic business expansion. This success story highlights the advantages, step-by-step process, and a surprisingly swift timeline, shedding light on the potential for business owners, executives, and managers to achieve US permanent residency.
L1 Visas for International Business
L1 Visa for Non-Profit Religious Organizations: Requirements
Date Last Updated:
Establishing a qualifying relationship between entities hinges on ownership and control. In the L1 visa context, “ownership” signifies the legal right to possess assets with complete control, while “control” denotes the authority to oversee entity establishment and operations. The Matter of Church Scientology International has paved the way for religious organizations to align with these standards.
L1 Visas for International Business
Wage Requirements for L-1 Visas: The “Public Charge” Concern
Date Last Updated:
The L-1 visa doesn’t have a specific wage requirement, unlike the H-1B visa, which requires following prevailing or minimum wage standards. However, the salary offered is still crucial, especially when it comes to avoiding being seen as a “public charge” – a term for someone who might depend on government financial help.
E Visas for Traders and Investors | L1 Visas for International Business
Employment Authorization for E and L Visa Spouses
Date Last Updated:
In recent developments, USCIS has offered new guidance on the documentation required for employment authorization for nonimmigrant spouses under the E Visa and L Visa categories. Effective January 30, 2022, USCIS and CBP introduced I-94 codes that signify work authorization. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
L1 Visas for International Business | Successful Case Results
Securing a 5th L1A Visa: A Success Story of Continuous Support and Strategic Planning
Date Last Updated:
Learn about our journey with a client over nine years, culminating in the successful approval of his 5th L1A visa amid business growth and structural changes, showcasing our ability to address unique immigration challenges.
