L-1 Visa From Bangladesh
The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category in the United States intended for intracompany transfers. L-1 Visa From Bangladesh enables multinational corporations to temporarily relocate personnel from their foreign operations to work in the United States.
The L-1 visa is a popular solution for multinational firms looking to move key staff to the United States, allowing them to manage operations, oversee projects, and share specialized expertise while maintaining the company’s global presence.
In this article, we will go over the eligibility requirements for the L-1 visa, the cost and duration, and how to apply.
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L-1A vs. L-1B Visa
The L-1 visa is divided into two subcategories:
- L-1A Visa: This group includes managers and executives who are being relocated to a US office that is a subsidiary, branch, affiliate, or parent business of their international employer.
- L-1B Visa: This category includes personnel with specific knowledge who are being transferred to a U.S. office of the same global corporation. Specialized knowledge is often defined as advanced knowledge or skill in the company’s products, processes, technology, or other areas.
L-1 Visa Eligibility
To be qualified for an L-1 visa, both the employee (visa applicant) and the employer (sponsor) must meet certain eligibility criteria. The following are the general eligibility conditions for the L-1 visa:
For the Employee (L-1 Applicant):
- Employment with a Qualifying Organization: The person must currently work for an eligible international business that has a relationship with the U.S. employer. The organization must be the parent firm, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office of the U.S. company.
- Position Qualification: For L-1A (Managers/Executives), the individual must be traveling to the United States to work in a managing or executive position. This usually entails supervising a large percentage of the organization’s operations or managing a crucial function. L-1B (specialist understanding) employees must have specialist understanding of the organization’s products, services, technology, or procedures. Specialized knowledge refers to sophisticated knowledge that is not shared by other personnel in the sector.
- One Year of Employment: The employee must have worked for the foreign company consistently for at least one year in the three years preceding the L-1 visa application. This period of employment must have happened outside of the United States.
For the Employer (Sponsor):
- Qualifying Relationship: The US employer must have a “qualifying relationship” with the foreign business that employs the visa holder. This encompasses parent, subsidiary, affiliate, and branch office ties. The organizations should show a high level of control or ownership from the same parent or entity.
- Conducting Business in the U.S.: The US employer must be actively conducting business in the US and have a physical office or facility where the employee will work. In the event of a new office, the US company must present a strategy for supporting the employee’s position.
- Employment Offer: The US employer must provide a genuine employment offer to the employee and be willing to file an L-1 petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on their behalf.
L-1 Visa Cost
The cost of an L-1 visa varies depending on a number of criteria, including the kind of visa (L-1A or L-1B), whether you are filing a new petition or a renewal, and whether premium processing is required.
In general, filing Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS costs $1385 ($695 for small firms and organizations).
Depending on the situation and the employer, an additional $500 anti-fraud fee may be necessary. If premium processing is desired, there will be an extra cost of $2805.
L-1 Visa Timeline
The processing period for an L-1 visa varies according to the USCIS service center where the petition was filed and the complexity of the case. In general, L-1 visas process much faster than other work visa categories.
Check current processing times for L-1 visas at specific USCIS service centers here.
Certain candidates may be qualified for “premium processing” of their Form I-129 for an extra price (see above). If approved, USCIS would normally process your L-1 visa application within 15-45 days.
L-1 Visa Process
To apply for an L-1 visa, both the sponsoring employer and the L-1 visa applicant must follow a specific process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for an L-1 visa:
Sponsoring Employer’s Role:
- File Form I-129: The U.S. employer must file Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS. This petition generally includes a detailed description of the job position, evidence of the qualifying relationship between the foreign employer and the U.S. entity, and proof of the beneficiary’s eligibility and qualifications.
- Pay Government Filing Fees: The employer must pay the required filing fees for Form I-129 and any additional fees, such as the anti-fraud fee or premium processing fee, if applicable.
L-1 Visa Applicant’s Role:
- Complete DS-160 Application: Once the Form I-129 petition is granted, visa applicants should fill out Form DS 160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
- Pay Visa Application Fee: After filing Form DS-160, applicants must pay the visa application fee at the U.S. Embassy or consulate where the interview is set.
- Schedule & Attend Visa Interview: To plan and attend a visa interview, applicants should contact the US Embassy or consulate in their home country. The L-1 visa interview may require particular supporting documents, such as a valid passport, proof of employment offer, and others.
L-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the H-1B and L-1 visas?
The H-1B visa is for persons with specific talents who are sponsored by a U.S. business and can change employment. It requires at least a bachelor’s degree and allows for an initial stay of up to three years, which can be extended to six years with no necessity for foreign corporate connection.
The L-1 visa, on the other hand, is for intracompany transferees within multinational corporations who must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year. Unlike H-1B visa holders, L-1 visa holders can only work for their sponsoring firm. The first stay is likewise up to three years, but it can be extended based on the relationship between the company’s overseas and US branches.Is the L-1 visa lottery based?
Is the L-1 visa a better option than the H-1B?
What are the benefits of an L1 visa?How long can you stay in the United States with an L-1 visa?Can you apply for a green card with an L-1 visa?
Can your spouse work on an L-1 visa?
L-1 visa holders are allowed to bring their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States on L-2 visas. Since 2021, L-2 spouses have been automatically granted work authorization in the United States upon entrance. However, the ability to work on an L-2 visa is dependent on the principal L-1 visa holder maintaining their L-1 status. If the L-1 visa holder’s status is terminated or they leave their position, it may affect the L-2 visa holder’s eligibility to work in the United States.
What are the benefits of an L1 visa?
The L-1 visa has numerous benefits for both multinational corporations and foreign labor. It facilitates intracompany transfers, allowing key employees to work in the United States without an annual cap or lottery system. Spouses of L-1 visa holders can also work, providing financial stability for their families. Furthermore, the L-1 visa can lead to permanent residency and is typically processed more swiftly than other work visa types. Its ability to accommodate various responsibilities within a company makes it an invaluable tool for multinational corporations wishing to extend their operations in the United States.
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