L-1 Visas Attorney in Baltimore
Assisting Clients With L-1 Visas Matters in Maryland
Bringing a temporary employee on board to work within the United States (when he or she currently lives outside of the United States) requires a unique visa from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For employees who are in managerial positions or have specialized knowledge, the two different types of L-1 visas are available to ensure successful intercompany transfer. Griffith Immigration Law in Baltimore, MD, is available to help navigate this area of immigration law and answer any questions employers or their employees may have. Contact us directly with questions and learn more about an L-1 visa below!
Call Griffith Immigration Law today at (410) 883-9157 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our L-1 visas lawyer in Baltimore.
What Is an L-1 Visa?
An L-1 visa, according to the USCIS, is issued when an employer files a petition to authorize a qualified employee to live and work within the United States. Companies who are establishing new offices, relocating, or are doing some internal rearranging may require this type of visa to legally bring their hardworking employees into the country.
The Differences Between L-1A & L-1B
There are two different types of temporary worker L-1 visas available depending on an employer or employee’s needs. The L-1A visa is designed for intracompany transfers — that is, assigning a worker to conduct business in a different physical location — of employees who work in a manager role or executive position for companies located outside of the United States. Similarly, the L-1B visa is for employees who work in positions requiring specialized knowledge or expertise. With these immigration law visas, individuals are eligible to conduct work within the country.
Qualifications For an L-1 Visa
The qualifications for L-1A and L-1B visas differ slightly but both areas of immigration law have certain requirements for individual employees.
Individuals seeking a L-1A visa must have at least one year of experience working for a company abroad within the three years before their admission to the United States. These individuals must also be seeking their visa to provide executive or managerial services to a qualifying branch of the same employer.
Employers who are seeking L-1B visa status have similar requirements to meet, in that they must have at least one year of experience working for a company abroad within the three years before entering the United States. However, they must also be seeking temporary worker status to provide specialized knowledge services to a qualifying branch of their employer.
If you’re unsure which category you fall into, the Law Office of Raymond O Griffith can help answer your questions and provide advice in this area of immigration law!
Filing for an L-1 Visa
Filing an L-1 visa petition is the responsibility of the employer and involves reviewing the I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker instruction from the USCIS. Upon completing and signing this form, and paying the applicable filing fee, an employer must also provide all the necessary evidence and documentation. The USCIS will confirm they’ve received the petition and provide further information on interviews and final decisions.
How Our L-1 Visas Lawyer Can Help You
We can assist you by:
- Assessing Eligibility: Determining whether an employee qualifies for an L-1A or L-1B visa requires a thorough evaluation of their role within the company, their employment history, and the nature of the U.S. operations.
- Preparing and Submitting the L-1 Petition: The L-1 visa application process starts with submitting Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form must include detailed supporting documentation, like proof of the qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign offices, job descriptions, and employment records.
- Handling the L-1 Blanket Petition: For companies that frequently transfer employees between international branches, the L-1 Blanket Petition offers a streamlined solution. This petition allows pre-approval for transferring multiple employees without the need to file individual petitions for each. We can assist your business in securing blanket L-1 petition approval, ensuring faster processing and greater flexibility when transferring workers.
- Overcoming Challenges and Avoiding Common Pitfalls: L-1 visa applications are often subject to scrutiny, especially when it comes to defining managerial or specialized knowledge roles. Missteps in this area can lead to denials. We anticipate potential issues and work proactively to resolve any complications that may arise, ensuring the strongest possible application.
- Handling RFE (Request for Evidence) Responses: In some instances, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), seeking further clarification or documentation. Handling RFEs promptly and effectively is essential to prevent delays. We have extensive experience responding to RFEs, providing the additional information USCIS may demand to approve your employee's visa.
- Ensuring Compliance with Visa Regulations: After an L-1 visa is granted, businesses must comply with U.S. immigration laws, which includes maintaining proper records and ensuring that transferred employees continue to fulfill their qualifying roles. We can help your business navigate compliance matters, minimizing the risk of legal challenges or visa revocation.
Contact Our Baltimore L-1 Visas Lawyer Today
Whether you are transferring key executives or specialized employees to your U.S. operations, securing an L-1 visa is important to maintaining your company's global operations. Griffith Immigration Law is here to guide you through the complexities of the L-1 visa method, from determining eligibility to filing applications and managing compliance requirements.
Don't let the complexities of immigration law hinder your business's growth. Contact our Baltimore L-1 visas attorney today to schedule a consultation and take the first step in successfully transferring your valued employees to the U.S. Let us help you secure the L-1 visas your business needs to thrive in the U.S. Contact us now for skilled, reliable legal assistance.
Contact us today or call us at (410) 883-9157 to get started with our Baltimore L-1 visas attorney.
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