If the company is very small, can I have an L-1A?

The L-1A visa was created to allow the transfer of executives and managers from foreign companies to their branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates in the United States. It requires the applicant to hold a managerial position and that the company maintains a qualified relationship between its operations abroad and in the U.S.

Even if the company is small, this does not automatically prevent the possibility of applying for an L-1A visa. The central point is not the size of the company itself, but rather the organizational structure and the ability to prove that the applicant performs managerial or executive functions.

For example, for the company to meet the requirements, it is important to demonstrate a clear corporate hierarchy, relevant decision-making responsibilities, and an appropriate relationship (such as parent and branch or affiliate) between the foreign entity and the U.S. company. If the operation is smaller in scale, it may be somewhat more challenging to prove these qualities, but it is not impossible.

Another situation to consider is that, despite the reduced size, if there is a consistent history of international business or a structured expansion plan, this can strengthen the petition. In this context, it is essential to gather documentation that evidences the executive role and the economic viability of the company in the U.S., as well as the relationship between the foreign operation and the destination country’s operation.

It is worth emphasizing the importance of strictly following U.S. immigration laws and always seeking guidance from specialized professionals in this area. A personalized analysis conducted by a skilled team can help identify the strengths and challenges of the case, avoiding common pitfalls and unfounded promises that may be found in dubious marketing campaigns.

In summary, although the size of the company is an aspect to consider, the main focus is on the ability to demonstrate the managerial function and the structural relationship between the companies. Thus, even smaller businesses can, under certain circumstances, meet the requirements for the L-1A visa, provided that all documentation and legal criteria are properly proven.

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.