Do I need prior experience managing people to qualify for L-1A?

It depends on what ‘management’ means in your case. For the L-1A you must demonstrate prior experience in an executive or managerial capacity at the related overseas company, but that does not necessarily mean managing people. The category also covers the functional manager, who oversees a key area, function, or operation without necessarily supervising a team.

The visa focuses on the ability to administer, make strategic decisions, and lead a function or team within the organization. What must be established is the managerial or executive nature of your role, fulfilled during a qualifying period of employment at the related overseas company.

• Managing people is not the only path: a functional manager can also qualify.
• What matters is the executive or managerial nature of the role, supported by documentation.
• You must have completed the qualifying period of work at the overseas related company.

Because the classification depends on the specifics of your position, it is worth reviewing the current requirements on the USCIS website and assessing your profile with a specialist before filing a petition.

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.