United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge Guide

Find out everything you need to know about United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge application process and requirements.

What Is the United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge?

The L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge visa is designed for employees of multinational companies who possess specialized knowledge and are being transferred to a U.S. office, subsidiary, or affiliate. This visa is ideal for those who have extensive knowledge about the company’s products, services, research, systems, or other interests and can greatly contribute to the company’s operations in the United States. The goal of the L-1B visa is to enhance the competitive edge of U.S. businesses by allowing them to utilize key foreign talent effectively. Recipients of this visa can enjoy the benefit of living and working in the U.S. temporarily with possible pathways to bringing family members along on L-2 visas, plus future eligibility for permanent residency under certain conditions.

L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge Requirements for United States of America

Explore the key requirements for obtaining your L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge for United States of America. This section covers the necessary documentation, eligibility criteria, and any specific conditions you must meet to successfully apply for and secure your visa.

  • Employment Duration Requirement

    Ensure you have been employed by the qualifying foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years before your L-1B application.

  • Specialized Knowledge Proof

    Provide clear documentation that demonstrates your specialized knowledge which is essential for the work you will be doing in the U.S.

  • Organizational Relationship Documentation

    Submit documents showing the relationship between your current foreign employer and the U.S. entity, ensuring it details that they are either a parent company, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary.

  • Position Justification

    Clearly outline the job responsibilities in the U.S., and explain how your specialized knowledge will be utilized and benefitting the U.S. entity.

  • Completed Form I-129

    Your U.S. employer is required to file Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) along with the L Supplement to the USCIS.

How to Apply for United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge

Understand the process of applying for an United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge, including key steps, document submission, and what to expect throughout the application.

  • Step 1: Employment Qualification

    Verify that you meet the qualification criteria. You must have been employed by the parent company, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of the U.S. company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding your application.

  • Step 2: Gather Documentation

    Collect the necessary documents including proof of employment, evidence of specialized knowledge, description of the job duties in the U.S., and documents proving the relationship between your current employer and the U.S. entity.

  • Step 3: Employer Files Form I-129

    Your U.S. employer must complete and submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, along with the L Supplement to the USCIS. This form requires extensive documentation and justifications of your specialized knowledge.

  • Step 4: Pay Filing Fees

    Ensure that the mandatory filing fees for Form I-129 and other required documentation are paid. Fees can vary, so it's essential to check the latest fee schedule provided by the USCIS.

  • Step 5: Attend a Visa Interview

    Once your Form I-129 is approved, you will need to apply for the L-1B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Schedule and attend a visa interview where you will present all required documents and answer questions from the consular officer.

  • Step 6: Await Decision

    After the interview, wait for your visa application to be processed. If approved, you will receive your visa and can make arrangements to travel to the United States.

  • Step 7: Enter the United States

    Upon arrival in the U.S., you will present your visa and supporting documents to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for final entry permission. Once admitted, you can start your employment at the U.S. entity.

Useful United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge Resources

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Department of State
Department of Labor
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

United States of America L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge Advice

For a successful L-1B visa application, ensure that the documentation clearly demonstrates the applicant's specialized knowledge and the necessity of their transfer to the U.S. unit. It's also vital for the U.S. employer to have a detailed understanding of the process and eligibility requirements. Hiring an experienced immigration attorney can be very beneficial to navigate the complexities of the application process, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring all regulations are followed.

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