L-1A Intracompany Transferee Visa – Expand Your Global Business into the U.S.

Are you an executive, manager, or business owner looking to transfer to your U.S. branch — or launch one from the ground up? The L-1A Intracompany Transferee Visa offers you the opportunity to manage and lead your company’s U.S. operations while living legally in the United States. It’s an essential visa pathway for global companies seeking to establish or grow their American footprint.

At Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services, we support business leaders through every stage of the L-1A process — from verifying eligibility and preparing company documentation to handling U.S. business formation and long-term immigration strategy. Whether you are expanding your global enterprise or launching a new venture, we help ensure your move is structured for success.

What Is the L-1A Visa?

The L-1A is a non-immigrant U.S. visa designed for multinational companies seeking to transfer key personnel — specifically executives or managers — to a U.S. office. This may be an existing branch or a new office the company intends to establish.

For companies opening a new office, the visa is initially granted for one year. For transfers to established U.S. entities, it is typically approved for three years, with possible extensions up to a maximum of seven years.

The L-1A visa is also a strategic immigration bridge to permanent residency in the United States, as it qualifies for a Green Card under the EB-1C category — without the need for a labor certification.

Who Qualifies for the L-1A Visa?

To be eligible for the L-1A, you must demonstrate that:

• You have worked for a foreign affiliate, branch, parent, or subsidiary of the U.S. company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
• Your role abroad was executive or managerial in nature.
• You are transferring to the U.S. to fill an executive or managerial role.
• The U.S. entity has a qualifying corporate relationship with the foreign company.
• If establishing a new U.S. office, the foreign company has secured physical premises and is financially positioned to support U.S. operations.

Both large corporations and small-to-medium enterprises may apply, provided ownership, operations, and staffing plans are clearly documented and meet USCIS criteria.

Why Choose the L-1A Visa?

• Launch or expand your business in the U.S. while maintaining corporate continuity
• Transition seamlessly from a temporary visa to a Green Card (via EB-1C)
• Receive a visa validity of up to 7 years, based on company type and growth
• Avoid annual caps or lotteries — the L-1A is available year-round
• Bring your family, with work authorization available for spouses and study rights for children

Whether you're running a global brand or building a new startup, the L-1A is designed to empower entrepreneurs and executives who drive international commerce.

How the L-1A Visa Process Works

At Phoenix Immigration, we guide you through the L-1A application journey with a structured, step-by-step approach:

First, we assess your company’s structure, financials, and job roles to confirm eligibility. For new office applicants, we assist with forming your U.S. business entity, obtaining an EIN, leasing office space, and registering for necessary licenses.

Next, we prepare and file Form I-129 with the L Supplement, crafting a strong supporting petition. This includes business plans, organizational charts, role descriptions, financial projections, and proof of corporate relationship. We clearly present your executive or managerial role and the strategic purpose of the transfer.

Once filed, we monitor the petition and, if necessary, respond to any USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs). If you are outside the U.S., we guide you through the visa interview process at a U.S. consulate. If you are in the U.S., we manage your change of status filing with USCIS.

Upon approval, you can begin managing your company’s U.S. operations, with the option to extend your stay or apply for permanent residency when ready.

Required Documents for an L-1A Petition

Every petition is different, but a strong L-1A case typically includes:

• Valid passports and current immigration records (if applicable)
• Corporate formation documents for both foreign and U.S. entities
• Proof of ownership or affiliation (e.g., shareholder agreements)
• Organizational charts showing your executive or managerial role
• Lease agreements and business plans (especially for new U.S. offices)
• Financial records, tax filings, payroll data, and proof of business operations
• Employment verification letters and job descriptions (foreign and U.S. roles)
• Resume and qualifications of the transferee

We provide you with a detailed checklist tailored to your company’s structure and guide you through every requirement.

Why Choose Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services?

Our team specializes in business-based immigration and understands the corporate, legal, and operational requirements that define a successful L-1A case. From U.S. startups to international corporations, we’ve helped clients across diverse industries establish themselves in the U.S. with clarity and compliance.

We offer:

• Expert review of corporate structure and eligibility
• Full U.S. company setup support (for new office petitions)
• Detailed business plan development and petition writing
• Strategic guidance on documentation and USCIS expectations
• Consular processing and interview preparation
• L-2 dependent and spousal work authorization assistance
• Transition support from L-1A to EB-1C for permanent residency

Whether your goal is market expansion, leadership transfer, or long-term immigration planning, we help you move forward with confidence.

Estimated Timeline

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case, but a typical process may include:

• Business Setup (if new office): 2–4 weeks
• Petition Preparation and Filing: 4–6 weeks
• USCIS Processing (standard): 2–6 months
• Premium Processing (optional): 15 calendar days
• Visa Interview Scheduling (if consular processing): 1–4 weeks

We provide a realistic and transparent timeline based on your company’s location and your immigration history.