L1 Visa for Canadians Working Part-Time in U.S.

Last Updated on: L1 Visas for International Business, Temporary Work Visas, US Immigration for Canadians
L1 Visa for Canadians Working Part-Time in U.S.

Understand how Canadian executives and professionals can qualify for an L1 visa without a full-time move to the United States.

Table of Contents

  1. Who Needs an L1 Visa?
  2. What Does “Full-Time” Mean for L1 Visas?
  3. Can You Live in Canada and Work in the U.S.?
  4. Real-World Example for Canadian Professionals
  5. When L1 Status Might Not Apply
  6. Tips for a Strong L1 Visa Application

1. Who Needs an L1 Visa?

If you’re a Canadian executive, manager, or specialized knowledge worker for a company that has both Canadian and U.S. offices, you might need an L1 visa to legally perform work in the United States. The L1 is designed for intra-company transfers. It lets you work at your company’s U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary without needing a green card or full relocation.

2. What Does “Full-Time” Mean for L1 Visas?

This is where things get interesting. U.S. immigration law says L1 visa holders must be full-time employees, but it does not require that all of that work be done inside the United States.

  • You can be a full-time employee working for the company.
  • You can divide your time between Canada and the U.S.
  • You can live in Canada and travel occasionally to the U.S. to work.

Key Requirement: Your primary reason for entering the U.S. must be to work in your L1 role.

3. Can You Live in Canada and Work in the U.S.?

Yes. You can live in Canada and qualify for an L1 visa if:

  • You are a full-time employee of the company,
  • You travel to the U.S. branch to work on a regular and necessary basis,
  • Your main reason for entering the U.S. is to work in your L1 role.

What you can’t do: Live in the U.S. full-time and mostly commute to work in Canada. This doesn’t meet the L1 visa requirements.

4. Real-World Example for Canadian Professionals

Good Example: Marie, a marketing director based in Toronto, works for a global company with an office in New York. She spends 2 weeks per month in New York and the rest in Toronto. She lives in Canada and her travel to the U.S. is for executive work.

  • Marie can qualify for an L1 visa.

Not Eligible Example: Jason lives in Buffalo, NY, but works most days in Toronto. He only visits the U.S. office once or twice a month.

  • Jason would not qualify. His main purpose for living in the U.S. is not for L1 work.

5. When L1 Status Might Not Apply

Even if you’re a full-time employee, the L1 visa won’t apply if:

  • You’re not primarily working in the U.S. branch,
  • Your time in the U.S. is only occasional,
  • You live in the U.S. but mostly work in another country.

The immigration officer needs to see that your main purpose for visiting the U.S. is your L1 role.

6. Tips for a Strong L1 Visa Application

  • Show you’re a full-time employee of the company.
  • Provide a travel schedule showing regular work visits to the U.S.
  • Include job duties showing your executive, managerial, or specialized role.
  • Clarify that your reason for visiting the U.S. is for L1 work.
  • Have your company provide a detailed support letter.

Summary

Canadian citizens can qualify for an L1 visa even if they don’t move full-time to the U.S. As long as you’re a full-time employee and your main reason for entering the U.S. is to work in an L1 position, you’re likely eligible.

Sources

Need help preparing your application? Talk to a qualified U.S. immigration attorney for one-on-one guidance.

Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer

We Can Help!

If you have questions regarding an L1 Visa, 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. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.

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