Intra-Company Transfer

L-1 Transfer Visa Attorneys

Assisting Multinational Companies with L-1A and L-1B Visas

When the right person for the job is based overseas, The Shapiro Law Group facilitates L-1 intra-company transfers to bring employees with key knowledge into the United States to work. We enable multinational employers with operations or affiliates abroad to obtain L1A and L1B transfer visas for foreign executives, managers, and workers with specialized knowledge of processes and procedures. We also secure L2 visas for husbands and wives of L1 workers.

Exclusive Practice in Immigration Law for over 30 Years

Our principal attorney, Ronald S. Shapiro has practiced in business immigration since 1974. Based in Chicago, Illinois, our law firm can advise companies on employees' eligibility for L-1 visas and assist in PERM labor certification and USCIS processing. We represent major corporations and businesses nationwide in sponsoring intra-company transferees.

L-1A Visa for Managers and Executives

The L1A non-immigrant visa is available to foreign nationals who are overseas management personnel and executives working for a branch or subsidiary of an American company. The sponsored manager or executive:

(a) must have been employed by the company outside the U.S. in a management or executive capacity for one or more years (continuously) within the three years prior to the transfer, and
(b) must be transferring to a managerial or executive position

An L1A visa is initially valid for up to three years, and the sponsored employee can work in the U.S. under L-1A transfer visa status for a maximum of seven years.

L-1B Visa for Specialized Knowledge Employees

Certain employees based overseas may possess critical knowledge required for U.S.-based operations. We assist U.S. employers in securing an L1B visa for the specialized knowledge worker to enter the United States to work. The sponsored employee:

(a) must have been employed by the company outside the U.S. in a specialized knowledge position for one or more years (continuously) within the three years prior to the transfer, and
(b) must be transferring to fill a specialized knowledge position in the U.S.

"Specialized knowledge" refers to:

• knowledge of products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets, or
• an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the employer's processes and procedures, such as the ability to train others or perform specialized knowledge services in areas such as software, service and repair of products, and improving manufacturing methods

An L1B visa is initially valid for up to three years, and the sponsored employee can work in the U.S. under L-1B transfer visa status for a maximum of five years.

L-2 Spousal Employment Visa

The husband or wife on an intra-company transfer non-immigrant (L-1A or L-1B) may be granted employment authorization to work in the United States. L-2 spouse visas are granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for a period of up to two years.

The Shapiro Law Group assists U.S. employers with initial transfer visa applications, as well as extensions. We are familiar with all L-1 rules and procedures, enabling us to expedite intra-company transfers and resolve any legal obstacles.

Contact our Chicago office online or call (847) 564-0712 to discuss your employee transfer needs with experienced U.S. immigration lawyers.