If I moved to another branch outside the US before the L-1, does that interfere?

The L-1 visa is designed for mobility within companies, allowing executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to be transferred from a foreign branch to a unit in the United States. This modality requires the beneficiary to meet certain criteria, including having worked for the parent company or one of its affiliates for at least one year within the last three years.

If you moved to another branch outside the US before starting the L-1 process, this move alone does not necessarily interfere with the process. The central point in the analysis is whether, even with the transfer, you still maintain the necessary relationship with the same multinational organization and meet the requirement of having worked at least one year within the last three years in a company directly related to the one providing the opportunity in the US.

In many cases, the transfer to another branch continues to reinforce your connection with the company, provided the corporate structure is the same and the position held is compatible with the visa criteria. However, it is essential to evaluate each situation individually, as internal organizational changes can raise doubts regarding the employment relationship required for the L-1.

It is advisable to review how this movement impacts the available supporting documentation about your role and length of service in the company. Additionally, observing the consistency of records and the clarity of information provided in the petition is crucial to demonstrating that you fit the visa requirements.

For matters related to immigration law, it is always important to follow the country”s regulations and seek guidance from specialized professionals. Beware of approaches that promise quick or guaranteed solutions without a detailed analysis of your case, as these may be misleading marketing strategies.

A consultation with experienced specialists can help define the best steps, considering the complexity of immigration processes and the specific L-1 requirements. Remember: every case is unique, and therefore a detailed analysis of documents and the company”s hierarchical structure is an essential element to prepare a solid petition. Staying updated on laws and regulations is fundamental to avoid surprises during the 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.