Houston L-Visa Lawyers

Intra-Company Transfers

L visas are used when a company establishes a new office in the U.S. and needs to send experienced staff to launch operations. Without the right legal strategy and documentation, even well‑intentioned transfers can get tangled in red tape.

To qualify, the U.S. office must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company. That includes entities such as:

• parent companies
• subsidiaries
• affiliate companies
• sister companies
• branches of the same organization

These relationships prove that the employee will be working for essentially the same business, just in a different country.

Understanding Business Structures 

For L visa purposes, a “company” isn’t just a name on a business card. USCIS wants to see that a U.S. company and its foreign counterpart share robust institutional and operational ties. A clear business plan, financial records, and organizational charts help clarify how each office functions within the broader enterprise.

Foreign Entity Qualification

A foreign entity is a business based outside the United States. But for L visa eligibility, that entity must meet particular criteria:

• Actively operating
• Sufficiently funded
• Part of the same global organization as the U.S. office

A strong showing of operational continuity (e.g., shared branding, management, and business goals) also helps support the L visa petition.

The foreign country of origin matters less than the legal and operational ties between the offices, however. So, demonstrating active business in a foreign country with clear records and documentation strengthens the overall visa application.

L-1 Visa Categories & Requirements

The L‑1 visa has two main classifications. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and employees set realistic expectations for visa eligibility. Here’s a breakdown:

• L‑1A Visa: For executives and managers
• L‑1B Visa: For employees with specialized knowledge

Roles That Qualify

The L‑1A visa is for applicants in executive or managerial positions who make high‑level decisions, supervise, and/or manage personnel. Examples include directors, senior project leads, and regional managers.

Specialized Knowledge Roles 

The L‑1B visa supports employees with specialized knowledge, meaning their expertise is unique, essential, and tied closely to the company’s competitive edge. This might be a technical engineer, a marketing strategist, or a specialist who bridges business operations across countries.

Employment Eligibility & Work Rights

The employee receives work authorization to be employed by the petitioning U.S. company. However, the employer must prove the job offered aligns with the qualifying category, either managerial/executive for L‑1A or specialized knowledge for L‑1B.

L‑2 dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21) may also accompany the visa holder. Spouses can even apply for work authorization. Schedule a consultation with Houston immigration lawyers Lamb & Turner today to learn more and get started.

Visa Process & Approval 

The L visa application process begins with a review of the company’s structure, the employee’s position, and applican’t eligibility. From there, supporting documentation is gathered, including business records, organizational charts, and detailed job descriptions that show a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign entities.

Form I‑129 is filed with USCIS along with the required evidence. If the petition is approved, the employee can apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate abroad and, once issued, enter the United States to begin authorized employment.

Green Card Transition Pathways

One of the great advantages of the L‑1A visa is that it can lay the groundwork for a green card. Executives and managers on L‑1A status often qualify for the EB‑1C immigrant visa category, which is a green card route that doesn’t require labor certification.

Through this pathway, many L‑1A holders can adjust status to permanent residency faster than other employment‑based applicants. Reach out to Lamb & Turner now for more information.

FAQ

What is an L visa, and who qualifies for it?

An L visa allows companies to transfer employees from a foreign office to a U.S. branch or affiliated entity. The L‑1 visa supports qualifying workers, while L‑2 visas extend to spouses and children. Employees must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year within the last three years to qualify.

What’s the difference between L-1A and L-1B visas?

L‑1A visas are for executives and managers with oversight and high‑level decision‑making responsibilities. L‑1B visas are for professionals with specialized knowledge.

Can an L visa holder apply for a green card?

Many L‑1A visa holders may pursue permanent residency under the EB‑1C category, which doesn’t require labor certification and is designed for multinational executives.

How long does it take to get an L visa approved?

Standard processing times depend on USCIS workload and the completeness of the petition. Work with an experienced immigration lawyer in Houston to expedite the process without additional steps.

Houston L Visa Lawyers – Get Legal Help Now

An L visa lawyer at a reputable law firm ensures your application is prepared correctly, filed efficiently, and positioned for success. Contact Houston L Visa lawyers at Lamb & Turner today to get personalized guidance.