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To qualify for an L-1 visa, the applicant must have worked for a related company outside the U.S. for one continuous year within the past three years. This post explains what counts as “continuous,” what breaks the timeline, and how staying too long in the U.S. without work authorization can affect eligibility.
L-1 visa holders must work full-time, but their employment does not need to be entirely in the U.S. Under 9 FAM 402.12-12(G), executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees can split their work between the U.S. and another country. However, the primary purpose of their stay in the U.S. must be consistent with L-1 classification. This means that while some international travel is allowed, most work should be tied to the U.S. employer.
Navigating U.S. immigration law to determine the most suitable visa can be daunting for a business owner who wants to expand or establish a presence in the United States. The E-2 Treaty Investor Visa and the L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa are two prominent pathways with unique requirements and benefits. This blog post explains the critical considerations you must evaluate when deciding between E-2 and L-1 visas.