What Employers And Filipino Workers Need To Know About The L1 Visa

US employers seeking to transfer their essential overseas Filipino employees can do so with the L1 visa.

This visa serves the primary purpose of facilitating the transfer of staff to a US business, whether it’s an existing or newly established one. 

There’s also an option to move staff under the “new-office L1 visa rule”, applicable to those setting up their business.

US IMMIGRATION LAW

BENEFITS OF L1 VISA FOR FILIPINOS

As a legitimate employee transfer policy widely used by many business owners, the L1 Visa for International Company Employees provides specific benefits to the visa holders and their immediate family members:

Paolo DomingoPaolo Domingo
07:19 04 Jan 23
5 stars and a high five! Thank you Verdie and Etta for assisting us with our change of status application. They were very professional and accommodating with all our questions and concerns throughout the process. Despite the time constraint, we pulled it off and we could not have done this without you guys! Keep up the good work!
Jean ZhuJean Zhu
01:49 17 Dec 22
Alex call me and I had a very pleasant talk with him on the phone regarding E2 visa to USA. He is very nice to work with!
Amandeep SinghAmandeep Singh
11:59 10 Dec 22
I had talked with Alex Jovy, he was very quick to respond, had a lot of useful information which I was not aware of. Took time out of his day to discuss my situation and was very helpful. They go into a lot of detail which other companies do not. Overall a great service!
Eduardo SalvoEduardo Salvo
16:26 25 Nov 22
I received an world-class help in how to immigrate to the USA succesfully!Alex was very open to answer my questions and is definitely a professional in what he does!Strongly recommend this firm.
PeterPeter
18:28 04 Oct 22
We were in a hurry and Verdie and the team were highly responsive and supportive, even when we threw in some curve balls along the way. We had our visas approved without any issues and felt confident and well prepared for document submissions and the interview. I'd certainly recommend this team for an E2 visa process.
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The two types of L1 visa

Before availing of this grant, employers should be aware that there are two types of L1 visas:

The L1A Non-immigrant Visa for Executive and Managerial Staff

The L1B Non-immigrant Visa for Specialized Knowledge Employees

 

types-business-visa-us

US L1 VISA PHILIPPINES

L1A VISA FOR MANAGERS AND EXECUTIVES

The L1A Non-immigrant Visa for Executive and Managerial Staff is initially valid for up to three years if the US firm has been in operation for at least one year. Subsequently, it can 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, employers can opt for a New Office L1A Manager Visa / L1A Executive Visa application, which grants an initial validity of just one year. 

After seven years, the L1A holder must return to the Philippines or transfer to another visa. 

Those seeking permanent residency can explore the EB1C visa, which requires managers or executives to have worked in the Philippines for at least three years prior to entering the United States using the L1A.

Documentation of clear managerial responsibilities with significant authority in the company is essential for L1A visa holders to receive benefits.

US L1 VISA PHILIPPINES

L1B VISA FOR SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE WORKERS

The L1B Visa for Highly Skilled Workers is reserved for specialized knowledge workers, and its interpretation can vary considerably. Seeking assistance from a highly experienced immigration attorney is crucial to determine eligibility for the L1B status. 

Initially, the L1B visa is valid for three years, unless the US office has been in operation for less than one year, in which case the initial validity is one year. 

Renewals are possible in two-year increments up to a maximum of five years. To apply for a green card, L1B visa holders must build a case for either an EB2 visa (advanced degree) or an EB3 visa (highly skilled worker).

L1 VISA ASSISTANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Filipinos looking to expand their business from the Philippines into the US can qualify for the L1 Work Visa for Executive Personnel.

Similarly, multinational companies seeking to develop a new market in the US can utilize the L1 visa.

Legal help for US Visa for Investment from Philippines

US IMMIGRATION LAWYER IN PHILIPPINES

WHY MAKE DAVIES & ASSOCIATES YOUR L-1 VISA APPLICATION LEGAL PARTNER

For a smooth and effective process, Davies & Associates will be your reliable legal partner for L1 Visa for International Managers and Executives applications.

Our Tagalog-speaking staff are ready to assist you with every stage of the process, from filing the visa application to setting up the US company and providing advice on US taxes.

Let Davies & Associates expedite the process for you. Get in touch with us to explore the possibilities!