The L-1 visa for founders allows foreign business owners to expand operations into the U.S. by transferring themselves as executives, managers (L-1A), or specialized knowledge workers (L-1B) from a foreign entity to a new or existing U.S. office.
The L-1 visa for founders allows foreign business owners to expand operations into the U.S. by transferring themselves as executives, managers (L-1A), or specialized knowledge workers (L-1B) from a foreign entity to a new or existing U.S. office.
Foreign and U.S. entities must be related (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, branch)
U.S. entity must be actively doing or planning to do business
Applicant must be an executive, manager, or specialist
New U.S. offices get 1-year approval (renewable upon showing growth and operations)
Proof of qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign entities
Business plan and lease/office setup documents (for new offices)
Organizational chart and detailed job description
Financials for foreign and U.S. businesses
Evidence of employment abroad for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years
L-1A/L-1B Petition: 2–4 months
Premium Processing: 15 calendar days
Form I-129: $460
Fraud Prevention Fee: $500
ACWIA Fee (for some employers): $4,500
Premium Processing (optional): $2,805