The L-1A visa is a strategic pathway for business owners, executives, and managers seeking to expand their operations into the US. In a recent success story, we share the journey of a business owner who not only utilized the L-1A visa for expansion but also successfully obtained a US permanent residence (EB-1C Green Card). Let’s delve into the intricacies of this transformative process.
Understanding the L-1A Visa
The L-1A visa is designed for key personnel of qualifying companies with both US and foreign operations. It facilitates the transfer of executives and managers to the US, fostering growth and expansion. For foreign companies establishing new offices in the US, the L-1A visa becomes a crucial tool for managing and overseeing new operations.
The EB-1C Employment-Based Immigration Category
EB-1C signifies a direct path to US permanent residence for owners, executives, and managers of multinational companies. This immigration category boasts significant advantages, including the absence of a recruitment requirement and minimal wait time for an immigrant visa number, thanks to its first preference status under the visa bulletin.
Going from L-1A Visa to Green Card
The transition from an L-1A visa to a green card involves filing USCIS Form I-140 Petition for Foreign Worker and USCIS Form I-485 Adjustment of Status. The concurrent filing of these forms is possible, provided the visa bulletin is current. This streamlined process opens the door to US permanent residency for qualifying individuals.
Traveling During EB-1C Adjustment of Status
A notable advantage of the L-1A visa is the ability to travel during the adjustment process without impacting your status. As long as you maintain your L-1A visa throughout the adjustment of status process, you can continue your international engagements. In the showcased case, the applicant lived in and commuted from Canada throughout the entire adjustment process.
Timeline for L-1A to Green Card
The timeframe to transition from an L-1A visa to a green card varies based on processing times. While it generally takes 6 to 24 months, our recent success case demonstrated an expedited process, taking just 4 months to complete.
Conclusion
The success story of obtaining an EB-1C Green Card through business expansion showcases the potential for business owners, executives, and managers to achieve US permanent residency. By leveraging the L-1A visa, individuals can navigate the intricate immigration process with efficiency and strategic foresight.
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Additional Outside Resources
- USCIS: Employment-Based Immigration 1st Preference
- USCIS: Green Card Categories
- USCIS: Form I-140 Petition for Foreign Worker
- USCIS: Form I-485 Adjustment of Status
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You may have questions regarding U.S. immigration laws and visas. We invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
