Standard L-1 visa processing usually takes between 6 to 12 months. This includes processing of the I-129 petition, which can take up to six months, and consulate processing which can be expected to take up to six months or longer.
How long does it take to get L1 visa after interview?
A. Usually 2-4 months for a normal L1 visa, Payment of the premium processing fee of $2,500 will substantially reduce processing time. 1-3 weeks for an L1 covered by a blanket approval.
Is it easy to get L1 visa?
However, despite all of these benefits, the L-1 is not the easiest work visa to obtain. This is because the USCIS is becoming stricter with who qualifies as a manager, executive, or employee with specialized knowledge. The L-1A category is for managers and executives.
How much does L1 visa cost?
The fee applicable for L-1 visa is as follows:
Filing fee of $325. In case individuals require premium processing, then an additional fee of $1,225 will have to be paid. Detection and Fraud Prevention fee of $500. An additional fee of $2,250 may be applicable based on circumstances.
Why are L-1 visas getting rejected?
1. Inability to Prove Specialized Knowledge. … Unless you can prove that the employee has specialized knowledge that no other American employee possesses, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will reject a request for an L-1 visa.
Can I travel to US while waiting for L1 visa?
Can you travel to the US while the L1 visa petition is being processed? You may be able to travel to the US as a visitor, either under the B-1 business visitor visa or with ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program, but only where the reason for the visit falls within the list of permissible activities.
How long can you 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.
Is L-1 better than H1B?
H1B has stringent requirements while L1 Visa is more suitable for multinationals and is less time consuming than H1B visas. … Also, L-1 and H-1B have ˜dual intent in that visa holders in both categories can aim for green card while staying as a nonimmigrant in the United States.
Can L-1 visa holder apply for green card?
The L1 is a dual-purpose, temporary nonimmigrant visa. … Many holders of L1 visas eventually apply for a green card, and in fact, the process of going from an L1 visa, especially an L1A visa, to a green card is (relatively) easy. There are two types of L1 visas. You can get an L1A visa or an L1B visa.
How many L-1 visas are issued each year?
There is no limit or cap on the number of L1 visas granted to applicants each year. The H1B visa cap is limited to 65,000 visas per year with an additional 20,000 H1B visas reserved for applicants with Master’s degrees and higher.
Can a spouse work on an L1 visa?
The spouse of a L-1 visa holder is allowed to work as long as they attain an Employment Authorization Card from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These cards must be renewed every two years. An L-2 visa is good for as long as the L-1 visa of the spouse or parent remains valid.
What documents do I need for L1 visa?
L1 visa document checklist – the visa paperwork
- The visa interview appointment letter.
- The DS-160 visa application confirmation page.
- The DS-160 visa application fee receipt.
- A valid passport with at least six months left prior to its expiry.
- Any old passports held by you.
- Your most recent resume or CV.
Can I change 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 many times can you apply for L-1 visa?
If you are an L-1A employee, you may request for additional two years upon the expiration of your first visa until you have reached the maximum limit of seven years. However, for L-1B employees, you may also request an additional two years until you have reached the maximum limit of five years.
Does L-1 visa have lottery?
The L1 visa and H1B visa also both qualify for US visa priority processing. However, because of the quota there is very limited availability of H1B visas. There is usually a lottery in April for available H1B visas to start in October in the same year.
Can I move from L1B to L1A?
To move into a managerial or executive position, you can file for Change of Status from L1B to L1A visa status. The petition for Change of Status must be approved at least 6 months before the L-1 employee reaches the 5-year maximum for L-1B status. Only your employer can apply for Change of Status on your behalf.