There are many ways for people to obtain visas. Those who secure admission to an institution of higher education can obtain student visas. People with family members in the United States may qualify for family-based visas. There are also many types of employment visas available. There are visa programs for those with exceptional skills, like medical professionals. Professionals can seek out new employment arrangements with domestic companies and then apply for a visa to work within the United States.
There are even employment visa programs for those who work for international companies. Professionals living and working in other countries can sometimes qualify for domestic positions within the United States. If a company promotes a worker to a managerial role or if they have specialized knowledge, they may be eligible for an intra-company transfer visa.
How the L visa program works
L visas specifically exist to help international companies make the most of their existing talent. Organizations can transfer successful employees who have positions abroad to new or vacant positions within the United States.
There are two main types of L visas available to professionals. The L-1A visa is available for managers and executives. Those in the upper echelons of a company can potentially transfer from an international facility to a location in the United States.
Those who have specialized knowledge, possibly due to awareness of a company’s trade secrets, may qualify for an L-1B visa. Extensive work history and familiarity with the company’s operations might make a professional eligible for an L-1B visa even if they are not a manager or executive.
The L visa program also extends opportunities to the immediate family members of qualifying employees. Their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 can qualify for visas as well. The whole family can travel together to the United States.
The L visa holder can potentially renew their visa, as can their family members. L-1A visas may be good for up to seven years. L-1B visas may be valid for five years with renewals. They may eventually qualify for green cards based on the duration of their stay in the country.
Discussing the possibility of an international job transfer could lead to employment visa opportunities for skilled and experienced workers. Workers with the right experience and legal support, those in specific company roles may be able to take advantage of specialized immigration opportunities based on their current employment.