How do I demonstrate the relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. company for the L-1?

In the L-1 visa, one of the central requirements is establishing a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and its branch, subsidiary, or affiliate in the United States. You must show that both entities belong to the same corporate group, with shared ownership or common control that justifies the employee’s transfer.

This connection is typically demonstrated through a set of documents that, taken together, tell the story of the corporate group:

• Corporate formation documents, such as articles of incorporation and bylaws, evidencing ownership or administrative control.
• Organizational charts showing the structure and hierarchy among the companies.
• Financial statements illustrating the economic interdependence between the entities.
• Service agreements, technology transfer contracts, and other documents proving cooperation or control.

Where relevant, it also helps to show that strategic decisions made by the foreign company directly influence operations in the United States, reinforcing the control relationship.

Since each case has its own particularities and the required documentation may vary, it is worth assembling the file carefully, confirming updated requirements with USCIS, and seeking specialized support when needed.

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.