The new office L-1 petition process enables a foreign employer to transfer one of its foreign executive or managerial employees to an executive or managerial position at a U.S. parent, branch, affiliate or subsidiary within the first year of the U.S. entity’s start of business.  If awarded, the new office L-1A status allows the transferred employee to remain in the United States for an initial period of one year.  After the first year, the employee may renew his/her L-1A status for three two-year periods.  In practice, this allows a maximum stay in the United States of seven years in L-1A status (one year initial status plus three two-year status renewals).

 

Once in the United States, the employee in L-1A status may work in the United States only for the petitioning company.  The principal employee's spouse is awarded an employment authorization document and is not limited as to employers. 

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• How does an investor qualify his/her company for a new office L-1 petition?

• How does an employee qualify for L-1 status pursuant to a new office petition?

• Extending the new office L-1 status beyond the first year 

• Maximize the chances of a successful new office L-1 petition

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