Unlike the E-2 visa, this visa is not limited
to certain countries, and there is no requirement that the
investment be substantial.
Through this visa, foreign businesses can transfer
managers, executives or people with specialized skills to
a new business in the U.S.A. for periods of up to seven
years.
When we deal with the L-1 visa, we have the
concept of "dual intent". The company
transferring the executive may not be 100% certain whether
the alien will leave the U.S.A. at the end of the visa or
whether they will want the executive or manager to stay
on in the United States permanently. The Immigration
Service allows this dual intent for L-1 visas.
Accordingly, the L-1 visa can lead to permanent
residence, for managers and executives without having to
request a Labor Certification from the Department of Labor.
(Refer to Multi-National under Permanent Residence).
It is possible to "convert" the L-1
visa, which has a limit of seven years to permanent residence
without having to prove that there are no American citizens
who can do the job of that executive or manager.
SPECIAL NOTES ON THE L-1 VISA
1. There is no minimum dollar amount investment
required to obtain this visa.
2. There is no need to be involved in international
trade.
3. The foreign and U.S. businesses do not have
to be in the same type of business.
More on the L-1 Visa
A business entity (corporation, partnership or sole
proprietor) in a foreign country can transfer an executive,
manager or someone with specialized knowledge to the U.S.-based
branch, subsidiary or affiliate.