As we mentioned in a previous post, there are two different categories for the L1 visa, the L1 A visa and the L1 B visa.
L1 A Visa
The L1 A visa is available to executives and managers that are transferring from overseas offices to work in the United States. They also have to currently be an executive or manager and will continue to be an executive or manager in the United States. They will need to continue in that position once they arrive in the United States.
One of the requirements to be eligible for an L1 A visa is that the employee has been with your company for 12 continuous months during the last three years.
L1 B Visa
The L1 B visa is for employees with “specialized knowledge.”
Specialized knowledge means that the employee has a comprehensive knowledge of your organization, the work that you do, the service you provide, the product you sell, or another specific area of your company.
Though, it should be noted that USCIS highly examines applications for the L-1B to make sure that person does hold specialized knowledge for your company. If you pursue an L-1B visa make sure that you build a solid case for that application.
Both the L1 A and L1 B visas are duel intent, which means you can consider sponsoring your employee for a Green Card.
