The L-1 permit allows multinational companies to transfer key employees from a foreign office to a branch office in the United States. L-1 visa extensions are available for those who are already working in the U.S. under this type of visa and need to continue their work in the country for a longer period of time.

Extensions apply to both L-1A (for executives and managers) and L-1B (for employees with specialized knowledge).

Who Can Apply for an L-1 Visa Extension?

1. L-1A Visa (Executives and Managers):some text
   • Employees in executive or management roles who were initially admitted under an L-1A visa.
2. L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge):some text
   • Employees with unique skills necessary for the success of the company, whose L-1B visa was previously granted.

Extension Requirements

• Continuity of Business Relationship Test:some text
  • The relationship between the U.S. company and the foreign company must remain current and operational.
• Evidence of Need for Extension:some text
  • There must be a clear justification for the need to continue with the employee in his or her specific role within the U.S. company.
• Duration of the Application:some text
  • For the L-1A, the maximum duration is 7 years (initially 3 years + 2 extensions of 2 years).
  • For the L-1B, the maximum duration is 5 years (initially 3 years + 2 extensions of 2 years).

Extension Process

1. Form I-129 - Nonimmigrant Petition for Alien Worker:some text
   • The application must be filed using this form with the USCIS.
2. Supporting Documentation:some text
   • Evidence of continued employment in the U.S. and the need for extension.
   • Details of the company's current operation, such as financial statements or a letter of support from the employer explaining the need to continue with the employee.
3. Application Fees:some text
   • Base rate: $460 USD.
   • Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee (if applicable): $500 USD.
   • Priority processing fee (optional): $2,500 USD (within 15 business days).

Extension Processing Times

• Standard Processing:some text
  • 1 to 3 months, depending on the USCIS processing center.
• Premium Processing:some text
  • 15 working days, for an additional cost of $2,500 USD.

Benefits of the L-1 Extension

1. Continuity of Operation:some text
   • Allows essential employees to continue working in the U.S. without interruption.
2. Family Reunification:some text
   • Spouses (L-2 visa) and dependent children under the age of 21 may accompany the L-1 visa holder. Spouses may apply for U.S. work authorization.
3. No Labor Market Examination (Labor Certification) required:some text
   • No labor certification process is required, which speeds up the visa process.
4. Possibility to apply for Permanent Residence (Green Card):some text
   • The L-1A visa holder has the option to apply for permanent residence under the category of extraordinary workers or managers and executives if the requirements are met.

Important Considerations

• Extension applications must be submitted before the original work permit expires.
• If the extension process is approved, new periods of work authorization are granted, depending on the L-1 visa category (A or B).
• The extension does not automatically grant the ability to adjust status to permanent resident. However, for those under L-1A, there is a pathway to permanent residency, especially for executives and managers.

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How to hire our services for your visa application?

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Before starting the process, we recommend that you schedule a 1-hour immigration consultation with our expert U.S. immigration attorney. During this session, you will resolve your doubts and receive personalized advice about your case.

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 Exclusive benefit: The cost of the consultation will be applied as an advance to the fees of the application process for this type of visa.

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 Schedule your appointment here: https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/estados-unidos

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If you prefer to know more details about this service and its costs, please visit the following link:

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https://www.immilandcanada.com/law/contratacion-servicios-usa