L-1B Specialized Knowledge

L-1B Visa: Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge Visa Services

The L-1B visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. offices. If your business needs to bring highly skilled professionals to the U.S. to support your operations or expand your business, the L-1B visa may be the right solution. With over 25 years of experience in immigration law, The Dhanani Law Firm specializes in guiding companies and employees through the L-1B visa process, ensuring a smooth and successful application.

What Is the L-1B Visa?

The L-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits multinational companies to transfer employees who possess specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, research, or business operations to their U.S. branches. This visa is ideal for companies that require foreign employees to bring unique expertise to their U.S. operations.

Who Qualifies for the L-1B Visa?

Both the company and the employee must meet specific requirements to qualify for the L-1B visa:

Company Requirements:

  • Qualifying Relationship: The company must have a qualifying relationship with a U.S. office, such as a parent company, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.
  • Active Operations: The U.S. office must be actively conducting business, or the foreign company must be planning to establish a new office in the U.S.

Employee Requirements:

  • Specialized Knowledge: The employee must have specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, systems, or procedures. This knowledge must be unique and not easily available in the U.S. labor market.
  • Employment Abroad: The employee must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year within the last three years before the application.
  • Qualified Role: The employee must be transferring to a position in the U.S. that requires the application of their specialized knowledge, whether for an existing or newly established office.

Benefits of the L-1B Visa

The L-1B visa offers several advantages for both the company and the employee:

  • Work Authorization: L-1B visa holders are authorized to live and work in the U.S. for the sponsoring company, bringing their specialized knowledge to improve operations.
  • Initial Stay and Extensions: L-1B visas are initially granted for up to 3 years for existing offices and 1 year for new offices. The visa can be extended up to a maximum of 5 years.
  • Spouse and Children: L-1B visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. on L-2 visas. Spouses may apply for work authorization, and children can attend school.
  • Expanding U.S. Operations: Companies can expand their presence in the U.S. by utilizing the expertise of employees who understand their unique business operations and requirements.

How The Dhanani Law Firm Can Help You

At The Dhanani Law Firm, we bring over 25 years of experience in immigration law to help you through every step of the L-1B visa process. We provide strategic advice and detailed guidance to ensure your application meets all necessary legal requirements, increasing your chances of approval.

For Companies

  • Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate the nature of your business and the employee’s role to determine if both meet the L-1B visa requirements.
  • Petition Preparation: We assist with preparing and submitting Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), ensuring all necessary documentation—such as proof of the employee’s specialized knowledge, job description, and qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign offices—is thoroughly completed.
  • New Office Guidance: If you are opening a new U.S. office, we help navigate the additional requirements, such as securing physical premises and submitting a detailed business plan.

For Employees:

  • Specialized Knowledge Review: We assess your qualifications to confirm that you possess the specialized knowledge required for the L-1B visa. This includes evaluating your experience with the company and your understanding of its unique products, services, or processes.
  • Visa Application Support: After the petition is approved, we guide you through consular processing or change of status to secure your visa and ensure a smooth transition to the U.S.

Extensions and Compliance:

  • Visa Extensions: We assist with L-1B visa renewals and extensions to ensure your continued work authorization in the U.S., while helping your employer remain compliant with U.S. immigration regulations.
  • Transition to Permanent Residency: While the L-1B visa itself does not offer a direct pathway to a Green Card, we provide guidance on other immigration options if you are considering permanent residency in the U.S.

Why Choose The Dhanani Law Firm?

With over 25 years of experience, The Dhanani Law Firm has a deep understanding of the L-1B visa process and the unique challenges faced by multinational companies. Our team is committed to providing personalized, strategic legal support to help ensure your L-1B visa application is successful. We focus on delivering practical solutions that meet the specific needs of your business and employees, allowing you to focus on achieving your business goals in the U.S.

Start Your L-1B Visa Process Today

Whether you’re transferring specialized employees to your U.S. office or establishing new operations, The Dhanani Law Firm is here to guide you through the process. Schedule a consultation today and let us help you navigate the complexities of the L-1B visa application.