L1 Visa FAQ

Executives, managers, or specialized knowledge employees of companies abroad who have worked there for at least one continuous year in the last three years and are being transferred to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.

No, but many of our clients do. You must have worked in a managerial or executive role for at least 12 months within the last 3 years at the foreign company.

There is no fixed minimum, but a team of at least 8–10 full-time staff abroad is a good indicator of a viable business for L-1 purposes.

A parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office. TADE helps you structure the U.S. entity to reflect a proper legal and operational relationship.

We ensure your U.S. business structure aligns with immigration goals, entity type, ownership, business plan, and job descriptions must all reflect your executive role.

Yes, your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you. Your spouse may also be eligible for work authorization.

No official minimum, but it must reflect a genuine executive or managerial role. TADE helps position your role and compensation appropriately.

New offices get 1 year initially; established transfers may get up to 3 years. Extensions can take total stay up to 7 years for L-1A and 5 years for L-1B.

Yes. The L-1 visa is commonly used to expand a foreign business into the U.S. by opening a new office. TADE helps you structure the U.S. entity, lease office space, and build the business plan required for approval.

Yes, through the EB-1C green card category. We help structure your business for long-term immigration strategy, not just a short stay.

You must show progress and job creation to extend your stay. TADE helps build realistic and compliant business models that can evolve with your visa.

Yes, for new office petitions, a commercial lease or proof of office space is required. We assist in selecting appropriately zoned and documented locations.

Corporate documents, tax returns, payroll, job descriptions, business plans, etc. TADE ensures these are aligned with your immigration objectives.

Yes, through a change of status. However, consular processing may be more strategic in some cases.

With premium processing, approvals can be obtained in 15 calendar days, though the full petition must be thorough.

Vague job duties, unclear ownership, and weak business structures. TADE’s structure-first approach addresses all of these proactively.

Yes, and doing so strengthens your case. We help you build hiring timelines that reflect your role and business growth.

Yes, if the U.S. entity exists, you may begin building your team. However, it’s not required before applying. TADE helps you map a hiring timeline that supports both your business goals and immigration case.

We develop the business model, job roles, and structure to reflect your leadership and align with USCIS expectations.

Yes, if your U.S. entity is growing and meeting its business plan. TADE ensures your operational foundation supports renewal.

Yes, most L-1 petitions are eligible for 15-day premium processing.

You must be actively managing or directing the business. This is not a passive ownership visa. TADE helps define your role clearly in the structure.

Not necessarily, but you must show operational progress, job creation, and a clear plan for growth. TADE helps set milestones and structures that meet USCIS expectations, even if revenue is still developing.

L-1A is for executives and managers; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. TADE helps you determine the best category and structure your role accordingly.

Yes. Many L-1 businesses are in services like consulting, tech, logistics, or healthcare. What matters is that the business is active, credible, and has growth potential. TADE helps you position your service model for success.

Yes, as long as you’ve worked at the company for at least one full year in the last three and the business is active. TADE can evaluate whether your company is ready and advise on next steps.