Do I need to have been paid by the foreign company for the L-1?

The L-1 visa is intended for executives, managers, or professionals with specialized knowledge who are transferring from a foreign company to a branch, subsidiary, or parent company in the United States. One of the essential requirements of this visa is to prove an ongoing and qualified relationship with the organization abroad.

In practical terms, for the professional experience abroad to be considered valid, it is crucial that there is a formal employment relationship. This usually means the applicant must have been compensated by the foreign company during the required period (generally one continuous year of work within the last three years). Compensation and the existence of a strong employment relationship help demonstrate that you effectively performed a qualified role in the company, which is a key part of the visa petition review.

It is important to emphasize that U.S. immigration rules are strict and the L-1 visa criteria require solid documentary evidence of this employment, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and other records proving the work relationship. If there are doubts about your specific situation, it is wise to seek guidance from reliable and specialized sources, always being careful to avoid traps or miracle promises that lack legal backing.

Remember: following current immigration laws is essential to maintain the integrity of the process. Consulting qualified specialists and thoroughly preparing the necessary documentation can make all the difference in managing a safe and proper process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

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.