L-1A Visa

L-1B Visa

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My company wants to transfer me to the US. My job title is software engineer. I read on your website that I can get L1 visa to transfer but I am not a manager. Is it possible?

You may qualify for an L1B visa provided that you worked for this company for one year of out the last three years and your job requires “specialized knowledge.” Specialized knowledge refers to:

  • knowledge of products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets, or
  • an advanced level of knowledge or expertise in the employer’s processes and procedures, such as the ability to train others or perform specialized knowledge services in areas such as software, service and repair of products, and improving manufacturing methods

Conversion from L-1B Visa to L-1A Visa

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The California Service Center (CSC) has indicated a greater willingness to allow conversions from L-1B visa status to L-1A visa status recently.  Many L-1B visa holders would benefit greatly by this change because holding an L-1A visa status allows them to apply for permanent residence through the fast track EB-1C program which does not require labor certifcation/PERM.  The CSC has indicated that conversions from L-1B to L-1A must take place prior to the 4.5 year point of the 5 year maximum stay and extensions beyond 5 years will not be granted.  The policy decision to deny extensions to 7 years as allowed by the L-1A category deviates from prior statements from USCIS and is likely contrary to immigration law is unfortunate and is something we may attack through appeal, if necessary.