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Questions about L-1 Visa
Straight answers related to this visa.
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Can I look for work at another company while I am on an L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa allows you to work only for the sponsoring company; changing jobs requires specialized guidance to avoid violations and legal issues.
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Can I maintain another business activity in my home country?
The L visa allows transfer between foreign companies and the US, but maintaining business activity in the home country depends on compatibility and compliance with visa rules.
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Can I maintain L-2 status for more than 7 years?
The L-2 visa is valid as long as the L-1 visa lasts, with a maximum period of 7 years; to stay longer, consider status change or permanent residency, always consulting reliable sources.
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Can I maintain the L-1 if I am transferred to another company within the same group?
To maintain the L-1 visa when transferred between companies within the same group, the new company must meet the established criteria and a new petition may be necessary.
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Can I maintain volunteer work with local NGOs on an L-1 visa?
Volunteering in local NGOs is permitted on the L-1 visa as long as it is unpaid and does not replace regular employment, maintaining exclusivity with the sponsoring employer.
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Can I manage a branch of a Japanese company in the USA with an L-1 visa?
The L-1A visa allows managers and executives to transfer to manage branches in the USA, provided they meet specific legal and organizational requirements.
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Can I manage the company in the US remotely from another country and still have an L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa requires physical presence in the US for essential functions, and managing remotely may compromise the visa validity. Seek specialized guidance to avoid risks.
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Can I move to another state without changing my L-1?
Changing states with an L-1 visa may be allowed without altering the visa, provided there are no significant changes in position, structure, or authorized work location.
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Can I obtain professional licenses (e.g., engineer, doctor) with L-1?
The L-1 visa allows intracompany transfers to the U.S. but does not guarantee professional licenses; legal procedures specific to each profession and state must be followed.
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Can I open a business in the USA with L-1 status?
The L-1 visa allows corporate transfers within the USA, but managing a new company requires caution to avoid violating its conditions and to ensure legal compliance.
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Can I open a foreign branch and apply for a reverse L-1?
The L-1 visa allows the transfer of executives between related companies but requires meeting strict criteria and detailed analysis for a foreign branch.
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Can I open a venture capital company on an L-2 visa?
L-2 visa holders can open venture capital companies in the U.S., provided they obtain work authorization (EAD) and comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
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Can I park my money in the U.S. and not work on an L-1?
The L-1 visa requires active engagement in the U.S. company and does not allow solely maintaining financial investments without performing authorized functions.
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Can I participate in a cultural exchange program alongside work on an L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa allows compatible unpaid parallel activities related to your functions, provided they do not compromise legal status or professional duties.
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Can I pay the MRV fee with a third-party card?
It is possible to pay the MRV fee with a third-party card, provided the card is valid and official guidelines from the responsible consulate or embassy are followed.
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Can I provide remote services to the foreign branch while on an L-1 visa?
The L-1 visa requires that work be dedicated to the sponsoring entity in the U.S.; providing remote services to the foreign branch may violate the visa rules.
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Can I pursue a full-time master”s degree simultaneously with the L-1?
The L-1 visa allows studies provided they do not interfere with the essential professional functions for the sponsoring company and comply with immigration laws.
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Can I pursue a part-time MBA while on an L-1A visa?
Pursuing a part-time MBA on an L-1A visa is possible as long as studies do not interfere with managerial duties and respect US immigration laws.
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Can I pursue graduate studies with L-1 status?
L-1 visa holders can pursue graduate studies as long as the studies do not affect their professional responsibilities and comply with immigration laws.
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Can I receive awards or bonuses from third parties on an L-1 visa?
Receiving awards or bonuses from third parties on an L-1 visa depends on whether they are part of the official compensation package and aligned with the roles at the sponsoring company.