There is no single mandatory document called an employment letter for the L-1, but in practice you need to demonstrate your employment relationship with the company. Authorities expect clear evidence that you hold the stated position and that the transfer to the United States entity makes sense.
For this reason, a letter from the company is typically included, alongside other documents, to describe your role, responsibilities, length of service, and the reason for the transfer. The L-1 depends precisely on demonstrating the qualifying relationship between the foreign employer and the U.S. entity, and this body of evidence is what supports the petition.
- There is no single required format, but the employment relationship must be clearly established.
- A company letter helps describe the role, responsibilities, and transfer.
- It is usually accompanied by contracts, org charts, and other supporting records.
Since the exact documents vary depending on the position and company structure, it is worth checking the updated guidance on the USCIS website and assembling the documentation with a specialist to ensure consistency and transparency.
Learn more about L-1
- Type
- Intracompany transfer
- Duration
- 1-3 years
- Extension
- Up to 5-7 years
- Processing
- 2-5 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.