How to Prepare a Strong L1 Visa Petition: A Step-by-Step Checklist

 


An L1 visa will allow your company to transfer a qualified employee from your overseas office to your branch or subsidiary in the US to support an existing office or help launch new operations. A visa attorney in New York can prepare a complete petition that follows all requirements and support your employee through each step, including the visa interview.

Building a strong L1 visa petition with a visa lawyer

The services of your visa attorney in New York will cover every stage of the process, from assessing your employee’s eligibility to ensuring compliance after the petition is approved. The goal is to reduce your administrative workload and simplify the steps involved, as well as help you address any legal challenges that occur along the way.

Step 1: Initial consultation and strategy planning

A visa attorney in New York will confirm whether both your company and the employee qualify for the L1 visa. This includes reviewing:

·     Your business structure and the relationship between the US and foreign entities

·     The employee’s role and experience, as well as their background

·     Which visa classification best fits the case, such as the L1A for managers/executives or L1B for specialized knowledge workers

As the employer, you must meet the following requirements to file for an L1A or L1B visa:

a. Your US company must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity — such as a parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

b. You must be actively doing business in both the United States and at least one other country for the duration of the employee’s stay.

c. The employee you’re transferring must have worked for the foreign entity full-time for at least one continuous year within the three years before coming to the US.

With a visa attorney in New York, you can map out the most effective strategy to ensure that the petition reflects your employee’s role and the company’s qualifications.

Step 2: Preparing and submitting the documents

One of the most challenging parts of the L1 process is gathering documents that prove your employee’s eligibility. You need to make sure that everything is in order, from your corporate records to financial documents and detailed evidence of your employee’s experience.

With a visa lawyer, you can:

·     Identify all required documents that show the qualifying relationship

·     Prepare the materials that demonstrate your employee’s eligibility

·     Complete forms such as Form I-129

·     Ensure that every item in the petition and application is accurate and consistent before you submit them to the USCIS

This detailed review reduces the chances of delays and requests for additional evidence. A lawyer can also flag any missing or unclear documents that could put your case at risk.

Step 3: Legal advice and compliance

Your visa attorney in New York will also advise you on how to remain compliant with immigration rules during and after the application process. This includes:

·     Helping you understand ongoing obligations

·     Monitoring regulatory updates that may affect the employee or your company

·     Keeping your business aligned with immigration requirements to protect the employee’s status

Step 4: Representation during legal proceedings

Your visa attorney in New York will represent your interests if USCIS requests additional documentation or issues a denial.

As immigration specialists, we at Berd & Klauss, PLLC will support both you and your employees throughout all communication with USCIS. This includes preparing your responses to requests for additional evidence and notices of intent to deny.

If a case faces a legal challenge or if you’ve received a denial and need guidance, we can advise you on your options. This may involve filing an appeal or submitting a motion, depending on what best supports your circumstances.

Step 5: Support for visa application and interview

After USCIS approves the petition, your employee must complete the visa application at a US embassy or consulate. We can help them prepare for the interview by reviewing the required documents and anticipating common questions. At this stage, our goal is to ensure that they can clearly explain their role and qualifications.

Step 6: Post-approval assistance

Once your employee is approved for the L1 visa, we’ll confirm when they’re legally allowed to begin working in the US. In addition, we’ll help ensure that both you and your employee comply with all visa conditions and US labor regulations.

We’re here to help

Berd & Klauss, PLLC has a visa attorney in New York ready to support your L1 visa needs. We will advise you on how the L1 category can fit into your global mobility plans, from individual transfers to Blanket L filings for relocating multiple employees. You can also ask us about expected processing timelines and associated costs.

Because the L1 application requires substantial supporting documentation, we provide clear guidance to help you submit a strong, fully compliant petition. Call 212-461-7152 to schedule your initial consultation with our visa attorney in New York.

Source URL: https://berdklauss.com/how-to-prepare-a-strong-l1-visa-petition-a-step-by-step-checklist/

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