The L-1A visa was created to facilitate the intracompany transfer of foreign executives or managers to their offices in the United States. It requires that the applicant has held executive or managerial positions outside the U.S. for at least one year in the three years prior to application. However, the number of people managed is not an absolute criterion to prove this status.
A manager who coordinates a team of two people can indeed be eligible for the L-1A, as long as they can demonstrate that they actually perform managerial or executive functions. More than the number of subordinates, it is essential that the applicant proves they have the authority to make important decisions, direct the company or department, allocate resources, and guide internal processes.
In other words, the role must correspond to what immigration authorities consider to be ”manager” or ”executive,” regardless of its operational size. It is worth highlighting that each case is analyzed individually, and the presentation of robust and detailed documentation is crucial to demonstrate that the activities performed meet the visa requirements.
Therefore, it is important to strictly follow U.S. immigration laws, avoiding approaches that promise guaranteed or simplified results through marketing campaigns. Always consider seeking specialized guidance and reliable sources to obtain the necessary information about the process. Remember that rigorous compliance with immigration rules is fundamental to avoiding risks and future complications.
Maintaining a thorough assessment of the function performed and documenting all activities transparently is the safe path for the visa analysis to be done properly and honestly.
Learn more about L-1 Visa
- Type
- Intracompany transfer
- Duration
- 1-3 years
- Extension
- Up to 5-7 years
- Processing
- 2-5 months
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.