How is 1 year of employment abroad calculated?

The L visa, which allows the transfer of executives, managers, or professionals with specialized knowledge to a branch, parent company, or affiliate in the United States, requires proof of professional experience abroad. This experience is one of the essential criteria to demonstrate the ability and continuity in the position to be performed in the U.S.

When referring to “1 year of employment abroad,” we generally mean a continuous, full-time period during which the employee performed their duties directly for the company sponsoring the visa. In practical terms, 1 year corresponds to 12 full months of full-time dedication, as recorded in employment contracts, pay stubs, and other documents that certify the employment relationship. It is important to note that this period must be counted from the moment the employee actually started activities, without interruptions that would undermine the continuity required by immigration law.

When reviewing the employment history, immigration authorities consider the nature of the work, the regularity of payments (when applicable), and the formality of the employment relationships. For this reason, it is essential to maintain organized documentation that proves the employment relationship during the considered period, such as recommendation letters, employment contracts, and payment proofs. These documents will be useful to demonstrate that the foreign work period really meets the 1-year requirement for an L visa process.

We remind that strictly following United States immigration laws is essential to avoid future problems. It is always recommended to consult specialized professionals who can guide the correct calculation of foreign work periods, as well as assist in gathering the necessary documents. Precautions regarding scams or marketing campaigns promising miraculous results must be taken, as the immigration process requires compliance with specific legal requirements and detailed evidence.

In summary, accounting for 1 year of employment abroad implies proving that there was a continuous period of 12 full-time months working for the original company, with appropriate documentation that certifies this experience. Following immigration law guidelines and seeking specialized assistance can make a difference in organizing the process and ensuring the security of your application.

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.