Is L1 visa tied to employer?

L1 Visa is an Intra-Company Transferee Visa. It is a non-immigrant visa which was mandated by the US Congress in 1970.

Can I change my employer on L1 visa?

Can I transfer or change jobs on an L-1 visa? Yes, you may transfer employment or change jobs but only to another location with the same company, or to another affiliated company in the United States. You must notify the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of any significant changes in your employment.

How long does it take from L1 to green card?

Once it is processed and approved, you will be an official legal permanent resident, though it could take another 6 months for the USCIS to mail your green card. All said, the best-case scenario has an L-1B to a green card processing time of a year and eight months.

How long can I stay on L1 visa?

While L-1 visa holders are allowed to renew their status, the overall period of stay is a maximum of seven years for L-1A holders (L-1B holders can only stay for a maximum of five years. This is the three-year initial period plus every other added year in the extension request.

Can you apply for green card while on L1 visa?

Fortunately, the L-1B visa is considered by the USCIS to be a “dual intent” visa, which means that you are able to seek permanent resident status while on L-1B status.

When to apply for an L1 visa for an employee?

The employee coming to work in the US must have been continuously employed full-time by the foreign company for at least 1 year within the last 3 years before filing the L1 petition.

What happens to L1 visa if it is denied?

If the petition is denied or the applicant was not selected for the lottery, the L1 visa is still valid, provided that the applicant still works for the same employer. Therefore, he/she can try again next year for H1B or seek for alternatives to H1B.

Can I transfer my L1 visa to another company?

L-1 visa holders are allowed to transfer from their company into its U.S branch or parent company. The L1 Visa is a US temporary work visa that allows you to transfer from a company in your foreign country into its US branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company.

How can I extend my H1B visa after 4 years?

H1B has a maximum period of 6 years, and this includes any time spent in the U.S. under L1 visa. Therefore, if the applicant has already spent 4 years in the U.S. under L1, he/she will only get 2 year H1B, as opposed to 3 year + 3 year extension. The only way to extend his/her H1B will be to file for green card application soon.