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

The L-1 transfers executives, managers, or professionals with specialized knowledge from a company abroad to an affiliated branch, subsidiary, or parent entity in the United States. One of the key pillars of this visa is demonstrating a genuine and qualifying employment relationship with the foreign organization prior to the transfer.

This is where compensation comes in. Having been effectively paid by the foreign company is one of the most compelling ways to show that a real employment relationship existed, not merely a formal arrangement on paper. For this reason, payroll records tend to be an important part of the petition, alongside other supporting documents.

• Pay stubs and proof of payment from the foreign company.
• Tax filings and employment records confirming the work relationship.
• Documents evidencing the role and the qualifying period of work abroad.

The evaluation looks at the full picture of the employment relationship, not a single document in isolation. Because the criteria are rigorous and may change, confirm what is required on the official USCIS website and organize your documentation with the support of a specialist.

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.