United States work visas are necessary for individuals who want to work in the United States, even if they have a job offer or they are a Canadian citizen. In addition, a work permit or work visa is required if you are being transferred to the United States by an employer or you wish to expand your business to the United States.
What is an L-1 Visa?
The visa that is appropriate for this situation is the L-1 visa, and there are two types of L-1 visas: The L-1A visa and the L-1B visa.
L-visas are valid for seven years, and there are situations in which the visa can be extended.
Qualifying for a L-1 Visa for The United States
Employees who qualify for an L-1 visa must be working for foreign companies outside of the United States, including Canada, that have related businesses in the United States. There are strict legal definitions as to what constitutes a legal related business, and these include joint venture partners, affiliates, subsidiaries and branches.
Please note that the L-1 visa is available for businesses of any size. Businesses do not have to be large to obtain the L-1 visa, however the foreign company must still be in operation during the period for which the L-1 visa is valid.
Knowing the Difference Between an L-1A & L-1B Visa
There are two types of L-1 visas. The L-1A visa is for managers or executives, while the L-1B visa is for specialized knowledge workers.
Did you know that having an L-1 visa can eventually lead to United States permanent residence, also known as a United States green card? There are also perks for applying for an L-1 visa as a Canadian.
Are You Interested in Applying for an L-1 Visa?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal, an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Michael is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section and the Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
