Can I apply for L-1 visa extension while in USA?
Applicants may be allowed L1 visa extensions of up to two years at a time until they have been in the US for seven years, for L1A employees, and five years, for L1B employees. Both L1A and L1B visa holders may apply for an L1 visa renewal or extension.
How to apply for an extension of an L-1 visa?
Initially valid for a period of one to three years, an L-1 visa can be extended for either seven years (for L-1A visas) or five years (for L-1B visas). To file for a L-1 visa extension, a petitioner must submit Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, along with the appropriate filing fees and supporting documentation.
What’s the difference between L-1 and L-1B visas?
Because all L visa extensions require the same I-129 petition, the processing times usually do not differ. This means that the L-1A extension processing time and the L-1B extension processing time will not necessarily be different because of their classification.
When to apply for L1 visa Premium Processing?
L-1 premium processing is available (for an additional fee) when the employer is filing the petition. Otherwise, the regular processing fee is available. Essentially what premium processing does is provide an expedited application process. According to USCIS, your petition should be handled within 15 calendar days if you select this option.
How long can you stay in the US on an L-1 visa?
An L-1 visa extension can be granted in two-year increments at a time up to the maximum duration for each visa category. The L-1A visa for managers and executives has a maximum period of stay of seven years while the L-1B visa for workers with specialized knowledge has one for five years.
How long can I Stay with a L1 visa?
The L1-A visa grants a maximum stay of up to 7 years. L1-B grants up to 5 years. However, if the employee has previously worked in the US under an H visa, that time may be deducted from the allowed stay.
How long does it take to process L1 visa?
Normally, the L-1 visa process can take from one to five months. If using the USCIS “premium processing” program, the visa petition may be expedited. It reduces the processing time to 15 days.
How to obtain a L1 visa?
- Get a transfer offer. This is the obvious logical prerequisite.
- Filing Form I-129. The employer must file a petition to the US for the employee to transfer to the country.
- File Form DS-160.
- Pay the L1 visa application fee.
- Schedule your L1 visa interview.
- Submit your L1 visa documents.
- Attend your interview.
Can I travel outside USA with L1 visa?
L1 visas are not the same as a permanent resident visa; they carry certain restrictions for both the workers and the employers who sponsor them. However, traveling outside the United States is allowed for L1 visa holders. L1 visa holders are allowed to travel in and out of the United States for as long as their visa is valid.