Is it hard to get an L-1 visa for small startups?

Getting an L-1 visa for a small startup is possible, but it typically comes with additional challenges compared to established companies. The visa was created for intracompany transfers within multinational groups, so the key point is demonstrating a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. entity.

For smaller startups, certain aspects often require extra attention:

• Proving that the foreign company has a real and active operation.
• Showing that the U.S. entity has the conditions to develop and sustain its activity.
• Presenting a solid business plan and demonstrating the viability of the U.S. operation.

This tends to be more demanding when the business is still in a growth phase and does not yet have the full structure of a mature company. It does not mean it is unfeasible: it means the documentation needs to tell the story of the business in a clear and verifiable way.

Since the criteria are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may vary depending on the situation, it is worth preparing the documentation carefully, confirming updated requirements with USCIS, and, when possible, working with 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.