International Company Transferees: L-1 General Qualifications

The L-1 visa category is available for foreign employees who have worked overseas for at least one year within the previous three years immediately preceding transfer to a U.S. company that is a subsidiary, parent or affiliate of the foreign employee’s overseas employer. The contemplated U.S. employment must be in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge capacity.

The U.S. entity must be a multinational firm or corporation. It may be a branch office, subsidiary, parent or affiliate of the overseas company. The U.S. corporation must be engaged in an active business.