Starting Your Business in the U.S. with an L-1 Visa

The United States has always been a land of opportunity for entrepreneurs and business professionals. If you’re looking to expand your business or start a new venture in the U.S., the L-1 visa might be your key to unlocking the door to the American market. Only individuals undergoing internal transfers within the same company are eligible for this visa. It allows foreign companies to send leaders, managers, or workers with specific skills to work in their United States offices. If you want to start a business in the United States with an L-1 visa, this article will walk you through the steps and provide useful information about what to expect and how US Area Immigration Services can assist you.

What does an L-1 visa mean?

 The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international companies to move workers from offices abroad to offices in the United States. Two kinds of L-1 visas are available from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): 

The L-1A visa is for managers and leaders. You can use this visa for up to 7 years. 

L-1B Visa for workers with specific information. You can use this visa for up to 5 years. 

Not only can big companies use the L-1 visa, but small and medium-sized companies can too, as long as they meet the requirements. The key requirement is that the foreign company must have a qualified link with the U.S. company, such as being a parent company, branch, partner, or associate.

Steps to Starting Your Business in the U.S. with an L-1 Visa

Establishing the U.S. Entity 

Before filing for the L-1 visa, your foreign company must create a U.S. business. This company could be a new office, partner, or associate. The U.S. company must be active and capable of supporting the leader, manager, or specialty information employee who will be moved.

Drafting a Business Plan

For the L-1 visa application, a comprehensive business plan is required. The business plan should describe your U.S. operations, including your business model, market research, expected income, and hiring plan. The USCIS will review your business plan to determine if the American company has the ability to grow and support the new employee. 

Preparing the L-1 visa petition 

The L-1 visa claim is made by the U.S. company with USCIS. This petition must include evidence that the foreign company and the U.S. entity have a qualifying relationship, that the employee has been working for the foreign company for at least one year within the last three years, and that the employee holds a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge position. 

You also have to provide documentation proving the US firm has leased office space, is in financial shape, and is ready to start business. This documentation may include lease agreements, bank documents, and client or seller contracts. 

Getting to the visa interview 

After the L-1 visa application is granted, the employee needs to show up for a visa interview at a U.S. port in their original country. The employee will be asked in the interview about their job in the company and the activities of the United States. person, and their goals while living in the United States. To avoid any delays or rejections, one must be fully prepared for this interview.

Moving to the U.S. 

After the visa is accepted, the person can move to the U.S. to start working for the U.S. company. It is important to remember that the L-1 visa allows the employee’s partner and children under 21 to enter the United States on an L-2 visa. The partner may also ask for work permission in the United States. 

Key considerations for L-1 visa holders

Maintaining the Foreign Company: The L-1 visa requires that the foreign company continue to operate during the employee’s stay in the United States. If the foreign company ceases to exist, the L-1 visa may be canceled.

Should the U.S. company continue to grow and need the employee’s services outside of the initial visa term, an extension might be requested. Still, renewals are uncertain and rely on the United States’ continued growth and wealth. company.  

Path to Permanent Residency: In the United States, the L-1 visa can be a route to permanent residency (green card). L-1A visa users may apply for an EB-1C Green Card, which does not require work approval. L-1B visa holders may apply for a green card through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories, but this process usually requires work approval. 

How US Area Immigration Services Could Support

Especially for company owners who are focused on expanding their operations, navigating the L-1 visa application may be time-consuming and difficult. US Area Immigration Services can really change things here. Our team of seasoned immigration experts excels at assisting businesses and L-1 visa applicants. From starting your American business to organizing your visa application and guiding you through the interview process, we are here to guarantee a seamless arrival in the United States. 

Understanding the specifics of the USCIS criteria, US Area Immigration Services has a track record of assisting companies in effectively acquiring L-1 visas. Our whole visa services are meant to satisfy every client’s particular requirements, thus ensuring that your company may expand in the American market.

Conclusion

At last, starting a company in the United States under an L-1 visa is a reasonable option for startups and businesses wishing to expand their activities. Although the process might be challenging, you can manage the obstacles and reach your company’s objectives with the correct guidance and help. Working with US Area Services allows you to concentrate on growing your company while we manage the procedure specifics. Whether you run a worldwide corporation or a small firm, the L-1 visa can be your road map to success in the United States. 

If you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey, call US Area Immigration Services today to learn how we can help you with your L-1 visa application. Let us help you turn your American dream into reality.