Do I need a job offer letter for the L-1?

For the L-1 visa, a traditional job offer letter is not required, unlike other work visas. This is because the L-1 presupposes that you are already an employee of the company abroad and are being transferred to a U.S. unit, rather than being hired from scratch.

What the documentation needs to demonstrate is the employment relationship between you and the company, at both the foreign and U.S. entities. Generally, you must show that you worked for the company abroad during the required qualifying period, in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role, and that you will be transferred to an equivalent position in the U.S.

Even though a job offer letter is not requested, it is common for the company to issue a transfer letter explaining the terms: the position, the responsibilities, and the role within the structure of the U.S. affiliate. This document helps confirm the professional’s place in the organization.

• It is not a traditional job offer, but rather proof of an already existing employment relationship.
• The company letter typically details the position, responsibilities, and the transfer.
• The documentation must be consistent between the foreign parent and the U.S. unit.

Since documentary requirements may change, confirm what is required on the official USCIS website and rely on the support of a specialist to put together a solid application file.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.