Davies & Associates, US Immigration Lawyers in Philippines
D&A provides assistance for US immigration visa from Philippines. We offer world class immigration and legal services. Connect with us for more info.
US employers looking for a way to get their essential overseas Filipino employees transferred can do so with the L1 visa. The primary use of this visa is to help employers transfer staff to a US business, be it existing or newly established. There is also a current option of moving the staff under the “new-office L1 visa route”, which applies to those setting up their business.
As a legitimate employee transfer policy used by many business owners, the holders of the L1 visa and their immediate family unit are granted specific benefits.
Before availing of this grant, employers should note that there are two types of L1 visas.
The L1A Visa
The L1A is initially valid for up to three years if the US firm has been in operation for at least one year. It can then be renewed in two-year increments up to a maximum of seven years.
If the US business has not been in operation for at least one year, this is considered a New Office L1A application, and the initial validity is just one year.
After seven years, the L1A holder must return home to the Philippines or transfer to another visa. If the L1A visa holder wants to apply for permanent residency they should go through the EB1C visa, which requires the manager or executive to have worked in the Philippines for at least one year three years prior to entering the United States using the L1A.
Remember that before an executive or manager can receive the benefits of an L1A visa, it is important to document their clear managerial responsibilities with significant authority in the company.
The L1B Visa
The L1B is reserved for specialized knowledge workers, and this is up for considerable interpretation. Working with a highly experienced immigration attorney who can help you understand whether you have grounds to claim a visa using L1B status is important.
The L1B is initially valid for three years unless the US office has been in operation for less than one year, in which case the initial visa validity is one year. It can be renewed in two-year increments up to a maximum of five years.
To apply for a green card, L1B must be able to build a case for either an EB2 visa (advanced degree) or an EB3 visa (highly skilled worker).
Filipinos looking to expand their business from the Philippines into the US can qualify for the L1 visa. The same goes for multinational companies looking to use the L1 visa to develop a new market in the US.
For more information on this kind of US work and other visa requirements, visit this page.
Why make Davies & Associates Your L-1 Visa Application Legal Partner
To get you through the process effectively, Davis & Associates will lend a hand and guide you through every step you need to take. Our Tagalog-speaking staff are ready to assist you with each stage of the process, including filing the visa application, setting up the US company, and advising on US taxes. Let Davies & Associates help quicken the process for you. Get in touch with us to see what we can do!
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