Continue with Recommended Cookies. Please note that U.S. Consulates, Embassies, and Ports of Entry may, in their discretion, choose to investigate any H visa application. For specialist advice on a US immigration or nationality matter for your business, contact our US immigration attorneys. Many people cannot get a green card without going through the National Visa Center (NVC). They may also be required to present a copy of your L-1 petition documents, their birth certificates (with certified translation, if applicable), marriage certificate, and copies of your financial documents such as pay stubs from your current employer. This is to complete the processing of your case and put the actual visa on one of the pages inside your passport. Obtain Form I-129 receipt number printed on an approved Form I-129 petition. If you are trying to get an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate, you'll have to first deal with the National Visa Center. However, if your passport expires before the end date of your L-1 approval notice, you may not be admitted to the United States for the full-term of your visa and your I-94 card will expire on the date your passport expires. You must appear for an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country for your visa interview. Email info@cbkimmigration.com If it is a new office, USCIS can approve the petition for one year. Evidence that you are maintaining your L-1 status (a recent paystub and/or letter from your employer. 1-3 weeks for an L1 covered by a blanket approval. The immigration officers who review L-1B applications have wide discretion as to whether the information presented in front of them would qualify an applicant. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. After the Interview - Travel Note that if you depart the U.S. while your SSN application is pending, the system may indicate your departure and your application may be suspended. In general, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the expiration of your period of admission to the United States, to ensure that you will be able to depart the U.S. at the end of your stay and proceed to your home country or another country. The cost for the I-907 filing fee is $2,500. Contact us for advice on your L-1 visa application. If a question is a yes/no question, just answer yes or no and if the examiner wants more detail they will ask for it. Be traveling over to the United States to continue working in a managerial or executive capacity, or as an employee with specialized knowledge for one of the branches of the same organization. Even if the applicant initially does a change of status, once they leave the U.S., they will have to go to a Consulate to get an L-1 visa stamp in order to re-enter the U.S. By the time you attend the L-1 interview, the consular officer should have already confirmed the approval of the underlying petition through the Petition Information Management System (PIMS). Learn more about how the immigrant visa case process and how to get through it. Although visa processing time is approximately 5-10 business days, processing time for specific cases may vary due to individual circumstances and other special requirements. In the absence of a previously approved blanket L petition, extensive and detailed documentation will need to be filed by your petitioning employer which, in itself, could significantly delay the process. Nonimmigrant Visas - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in India You may begin work for an employer while your application for a Social Security Number is pending. First, your employer will need to file and submit the petition on your behalf using Form I-129 or, where they have already filed a blanket petition, using Form I-129S. L-1 Visa Application | Process, Checklist, and Fees | 2023 - VisaNation If you would like a hard copy of the L-1 petition and approval notice mailed to you, or you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the attorney or paralegal that handled your case. Also, you will need to upload your photo as part of the DS-160 filing requirements. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 3 Reasons Why Your L1 Visa Could Get Rejected - VisaPlace Your employer will file an. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Printer-friendly version. We recommend beginning the permanent residence application as early as possible so that you may be eligible to extend your L-1 status beyond the five (5) year limit. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days. [CDATA[ What happens after visa approval In other words, you are in a position to direct the affairs of the company or a component within the company. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after you receive your immigrant visa andbeforeyou travel to the United States. You have to prove that your transfer is genuine and that you are going to work in this country. Please do not make plans to travel outside of the U.S. without contacting our office first. Lawful Permanent Residents-USCIS If your country is in agreement with the U.S., your passport is deemed valid for an additional six months past its expiration date so that you can return to your country of citizenship. //]]>. $500 for fraud prevention and detection fee, Premium processing fee of $2,500 (optional), If you cannot wait six months you may expedite your L-1 visa application process by using a service called premium processing. Many applicants ramble on when asked a question by an examiner and provide detailed explanations to simple questions. A qualified employee will be eligible to live and work in the U.S. under that nonimmigrant status by filling out and filing an L-1 visa application. Please also be sure to email us a copy of the I-94 printout for your file. spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age) may accompany or follow you to the United States. Then you will be ready to enter the U.S. at a bridge port of entry or airport port of entry. Understanding USCIS Definition of Specialized for L-1B Intracompany Transferee, Step 1: I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, Just like every employment-based visa category, your L-1 visa application process must be sponsored by your employer. If you have any previous issues with criminal history or immigration violations you should discuss that with your employer and an immigration attorney to ensure that this will not create any admissibility issues and work with them to prepare for how you will answer these questions. Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. To do this, you will file an I-907, Request for Premium Service. If you fail to provide all initial evidence as requested, you are most likely going to experience a more extended delay or even a denial. We recommend that you contact the Deferred Inspection unit ahead of time for this type of issue dont just walk in. Listen to the Question. NNU Immigration specialize in L1 visa applications. After you have entered the U.S., please be sure to carefully check your new I-94 card online and visa stamp in your passport to confirm that the category and expiration date are correct. It can take four to six weeks or longer for visa appointments. This makes it important that the application is comprehensive when submitted. In addition, you should be aware that CIS requires all non-U.S. citizens to carry their I-94 cards at all times and to inform CIS of any change of address. Be sure to keep evidence of time spent outside the U.S. so that you may recapture this time should you need to file an extension of L-1 status beyond the five (5) year limit. An ink-free digital fingerprint scan will also be conducted as part of your application process. This is why it is very important to present all the necessary documents from the onset. Current Wait Time and Availability Current Appointment Wait Time in Berlin Current Appointment Wait Time in Frankfurt Current Appointment Wait Time in Munich Your employer will file an I-129 on your behalf. Things to Know After Your L-1 Is Approved The company must be/ or will be doing business in the U.S. and at least one foreign country for the duration of employees stay in the U.S. The ID number is three letters followed by 9 or 10 numbers (Ex. The cost for the I-907 filing fee is $2,500. You cannotify CIS of any change of address online. While many nonimmigrant visas require that applicants prove ties to their home country and present evidence that they are willing to return home after the completion of their program in the U.S., the L-1 visa allows for dual intent, which means that you may choose to return home after your visa expiration or decide to change from nonimmigrant to immigrant by becoming a permanent U.S. resident. L-1 Visa Processing Time & Interview: Your Full Guide - Romy B. Jurado There are two types of L-1 Visas: the L-1A and the L-1B. Answer Questions Briefly. To enjoy this L-1 visa benefit, you will need to apply for a green card. The Department of State has stated that applicants are advised when they apply that there is no time period within which administrative processing must be completed. To be qualified as an L-1B employee, you must possess special knowledge of the organizations service, product, research, equipment, techniques, or management skill that arent common in your industry. Our US immigration attorneys have the experience and expertise to meet the onerous and complex L visa application process. Please feel free to contact us and ask us any questions you have about our posts. If you are able to apply for such a waiver, the consularofficerwill advise you on the steps to take. See9 FAM 402.10-9(B) Approved Petition Is Prima Facie Evidence of Entitlement to H Classification. These may also vary throughout the course of the year and whether there are any backlogs. L1 Visa Process - Life on L1 Visa, Including Initial Petition, Visa Also, please feel free to comment in the comment section and/or share the posts with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. Rt. Victims of Criminal Activity: U Nonimmigrant Status | USCIS this article for more information about the benefits and drawbacks. The L-1 status is employment-based, so your status immediately ends on the date of employment is terminated. When you receive your passport and immigrant visa, you should also have receive an Immigrant Visa Packet, with instructions. Even if the officer appears aggressive in their questioning, you should always be respectful (even if they are not). The delivery of the visa can take up to two other workdays. You will also need to schedule a visa interview appointment. Get processing time. You can significantly improve the processing time for your L1 visa application by ensuring that you provide the correct documentation in support. *You do not need to present your original I-797 approval notice at your visa interview. , you will need to apply for a green card. But there are still a few important steps to get your immigrant visa, and ultimately, your green card. CBP officers at the port of entry are not required to grant these additional days, but you may still request them. We are happy to offer our L-1 visa guide that describes the L-1 visa requirements, and other advise to assist with your L-1 visa application. L-1 Visa - Explaining the Concept For information and tips on filling outForm DS-160, please see this website. At the Consulate, you will be required to present the following: You may also be required to present copies of the L-1 petition documents and proof or your employment, such as paystubs. L-1A Visa Processing Timeline KPPB LAW We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The time it takes to get an L1 visa will depend on a number of factors, including the caseload of the center that will be processing the application, the country where you are applying from and whether you will be using the standard or premium processing service. Make an appointment for your visa interview. Find out the most common reasons your visa case may get delayed, and what to do about it. Here are some answers to common questions to help you prepare for your. L1 Intracompany Transfer visa FAQ | Workpermit.com Know Your DS-160 Application. 6. Most applicants for immigrant visas will need to submit a police certificate, otherwise known as a "police clearance letter." A. It reduces the processing time to 15 days. There are two stages in obtaining an L1 visa, namely filing a petition and the visa application itself. To make sure the approval is in PIMS, the employer must have sent a duplicate copy of the petition to the Kentucky Consular Center when filing the L-1. For example, many Consulates will not allow large bags and will not provide you with a place to store items while you attend your interview. Your employer will need to qualify and have applied for the Blanket L to be able to benefit from expedited processing. The consular officer will inform you if information or documents are missing and how to provide it. We do recommend that you carry a copy of the I-797 approval notice and the petition documents to avoid potential delays. L-1A Visa Interview Questions 7. Form I-129 should be filed by your US employer at least 45 days before your start date, but no more than 6 months before your employment begins. If your change of status has been granted and you are traveling outside of the United States, or if your L-1 petition has been approved for consular notification, it will be necessary for you to apply at a U.S. Consulate for a new L-1 visa. If their application is approved, they will be given the same period of stay as explained above. Your visa application must include the following documents: DOS Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application. How do I know if my immigrant visa is still valid? If there is an error,check here for instructions on how to fix an I-94 card within the U.S. Once you receive your visa, please forward a copy of the visa and I-94 card to our office. If your visa is approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you. It is crucial to note that there are no precise guidelines that outline what exactly specialized skills or knowledge is. Another factor that might extend the timeline of your L-1 visa application is if there are errors or omissions in the application you filed. The applicant would then attend an appointment at the Consulate to get the L-1 visa stamp. The agencies use this number for all filings and to keep track of non-citizens. If your company is willing to pay for premium processing, I believe USCIS needs to adjudicate it in 2 weeks. A medical exam is required for all green card applicants, including applicants for immigrant visas. U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country. Based on the paperwork submitted and the answers given to the consular officer during interview, you will be told at the conclusion of that interview whether your application has been approved, denied, or if further documentation is required. L-1 Visa Interview Questions | L-1A & L-1B Sample Questions 2023 Processing fees may be different depending on your location. To get your immigrant visa (and ultimately your green card) through a U.S. Consulate, you'll have to send a lot of documents to the National Visa Center (NVC). The L-1 visa application process generally follows the following order Form I-129, Form DS-160, and interview. If you have a criminal history you will also likely need to provide supporting documents (arrest records, disposition documents, etc.) U.S. State Department website specifically designed for people seeking U.S. visas. Thirdly, you cannot just transfer any employee it must be an employee that has managerial or executive duties involved in their position. You can schedule your visa interview with your receipt number, beginning with EAC or WAC, once your L-1 petition is approved. See9 FAM 402.10-9(B) Approved Petition Is Prima Facie Evidence of Entitlement to H Classification. If your passport is renewed within 30 days of your entry, then you may be able to present your passport to a Deferred Inspection united to have a new I-94 card issued. For more information, please refer toIneligibilities for U.S. Please be sure to visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov to confirm that your information was entered correctly into the system and also to print the I-94 information for your records. This refers to number of working days required to process a non-immigrant visa after a Consular Officer decides to issue . This may help a consular office understand that your work does not have potential application for national security or terrorism. L-1B Visa Interview Questions 8. L1 Visa - US Intra Company Transferee Visa - VisaGuide.World Please be sure to do the same for your dependent(s). To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are several points you should know about the L-1 visa in 2022. To use premium processing, your employer should file form I-907 with the I-129 form. In determining your eligibility for an L1 visa, you will also be asked detailed questions during the visa interview by a consular officer. Consular officers are not supposed to re-adjudicate L-1 petitions that USCIS has already approved, unless the answers provided at the interview are very different from the information provided in the petition to USCIS. You can receive your passport in one of two ways. means your position within the company affords you the ability to manage the organization by supervising and controlling the works of other professional employees in the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the company. Your family will need to apply using the L-2 nonimmigrant classification. Lawful Permanent Residents-CBP. However, you will be required to get a PERM Labor Certification as part of your application process. You will be required to upload a digital photograph. You will also need a valid passport that will be valid for at least six months after your interview date. If you are a high-level executive or manager, the officer may also ask questions about the U.S. and foreign companies. If the applicant is in the U.S. in a valid status that allows for a change of status, the petition can be filed asking to change the employees status to L-1. I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status. Application Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application If you are entering the United States to establish a new office for your organization, you will be given a maximum of one year of initial stay. L-1 Visa Processing Time | Extension, Premium Processing, Green Card Here are some other things to consider as you prepare for the L-1 interview: Review Your Petition. There are several important steps, like registering online and getting your medical examination. The examiner is asking questions to ensure the information in the petition is accurate and that you are admissible to the U.S. and if you used a lawyer you likely have a good submission. Before an SSN can be issued to you, the Social Security Administration must verify your nonimmigrant status with the Department of Homeland Security. Once you have found those two numbers you must pay the USCIS immigrant Fee, which is the fee to get your actual card. However, the following are some of the expenses you should expect to pay: In recent years, there has been an increase in nonimmigrant visa processing times by the USCIS due to different reforms in the agency. Thelist of member countries is here. Depending on when your priority date becomes current, it can generally take around 12 months to go from the L-1A visa to Green Card. 1. If the consulate officer approves your immigrant visa application, it takes 7 to 10 days to get back your passport. Please set aside time to complete this form. If the applicant is outside the U.S. (or inside the U.S. but does not want to do a change of status), the petition can be filed asking that a Consulate be notified once the petition is approved. Evidence that you have been with the organization and have occupied an executive or managerial role for at least one year in one of its foreign offices, Full details about your proposed job duties and qualifications, Evidence that you are going to occupy an executive or a managerial position in your proposed job, An I-907 form if you are using premium processing, Your employer must also demonstrate the ability to pay your wages, After your I-129 has been approved, if you are outside the U.S., you will then proceed to apply for a visa using the. It is always advisable to answer questions as fully as possible to ensure that your application is not deemed incomplete, and in this way avoid any delays caused by further requests for information. Here are the steps: At the port of entry, you may request that your I-94 card be issued with an additional ten (10) days beyond the expiration data of the I-797 approval notice. You must enter the U.S. before this date. You can receive your passport in one of two ways.