L1 Visa Process: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get an L1 Visa

L1 Visa Process - Step-by-Step Guide on How to Get an L1 Visa

The L1 visa is a great way for foreign workers to live and work in the United States. With an L1 visa, you can transfer from a foreign company to a related US company to work as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker.

 

If you are interested in an L1 visa, you should know about the process of getting an L1 visa.

 

In this guide, I’m going to discuss the L1 visa process.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to email me directly at contact@ashoorilaw.com. I’m very responsive via email and would be happy to answer your questions.

 

Overview:

 

1. Introduction to L1 Visa

 

2. Step 1: Hire an Immigration Lawyer

 

3. Step 2: Document Preparation

 

4. Step 3: Change of Status or Visa Processing

 

5. Step 4: Start Work

 

6. Conclusion

 

1. Introduction to L1 Visa

 

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows a foreign business to transfer a manager, executive, or worker with specialized knowledge, to a related US company. The prospective L1 visa beneficiary can then work for the US company as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker.

 

To qualify for an L1 visa there are 4 main requirements:

 

i. There must be a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the US company. Examples of qualifying relationships that will satisfy this requirement are: parent/subsidiary; branch office; and affiliate.

 

ii. The prospective L1 visa beneficiary must have worked continuously for the foreign company full-time for 1 year within the 3 years preceding the filing of the L1 visa petition.

 

iii. The L1 visa beneficiary’s employment with the foreign company must have been as a manager, executive, or person with specialized knowledge.

 

iv. The L1 visa beneficiary’s employment with the US company must be as a manager, executive, or person with specialized knowledge.

 

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of the L1 visa, lets discuss the L1 visa process.

 

2. Step 1 of L1 Visa Process: Hire an Immigration Lawyer

 

The first step to get an L1 visa is to hire a qualified immigration lawyer. You most likely already understand the need for an immigration lawyer throughout this process. That said, I’d like to draw your attention to the fact that this is the first step you should take.

 

Your immigration lawyer should conduct a thorough intake process to determine whether an L1 visa is the right option for you. In discussions with your immigration lawyer, you may discover that there is a much easier and simpler way to get the immigration benefits you seek.

 

Without going to an immigration lawyer first, you could spend wasted time and energy planning for a visa classification that doesn’t best suit your needs. For these reasons, you should consult with an immigration lawyer early on.

 

3. Step 2 of L1 Visa Process: Document Preparation

 

Once you’ve consulted with a qualified immigration lawyer, and they have determined that an L1 visa is the appropriate option for you, they should provide you with a detailed list of documents for you to compile.

 

The L1 visa has strict requirements that must be met in order for your L1 visa to be approved. In order to prove that you meet the L1 visa requirements, it is critical to submit various documents with your petition.

 

The documents you submit should prove the following:

 

i. That there is a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the US company

 

ii. That you’ve worked for the foreign company continuously, full-time, for at least 1 year within the last 3 years prior to filing.

 

iii. That you worked as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker for the foreign company

 

iv. That you will work as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker for the US company.

 

Here’s a general list of some of the documents you should plan to include:

 

Foreign Company Documents

 

  • Articles of incorporation

 

  • Stock certificates

 

  • Certificate of incorporation

 

  • Business tax returns

 

  • Financial statements

 

  • Copy of office lease

 

  • Promotional materials

 

  • Organizational chart

 

  • Pictures of the business

 

  • Detailed statement from authorized representative of company explaining ownership and control of company.

 

US Company Documents

 

  • Articles of incorporation

 

  • Stock certificates

 

  • Business license

 

  • Corporate by-laws

 

  • Detailed business plan

 

  • Organizational chart

 

  • Financial statements of business

 

  • Promotional materials of business

 

  • Detailed statement from authorized representative of company explaining ownership and control of company.

 

L1 Visa Beneficiary Documents

 

  • Resume

 

  • Copy of passport

 

  • Detailed statement explaining job duties with foreign company, including percentages of time spent doing each duty

 

  • Detailed statement explaining proposed job duties with US company, including percentages of time to be spent doing each duty

 

  • Pay stubs or comparable evidence demonstrating date range of employment with foreign company

 

Disclaimer: The above list is just a general list of some of the documents you should expect to include in your L1 visa petition. This is not a comprehensive list. Your immigration lawyer should customize a list of documents for you to provide based on your unique case.

 

Now that we’ve discussed the document gathering phase, lets move on to the actual filing of the petition.

 

4. Step 3 of the L1 Visa Process: Change of Status or Visa Processing

 

When applying for an L1 visa, you have 2 options for how to proceed: you can either do a change of status through USCIS or you can apply for an L1 visa at a US Consulate abroad.

 

Here’s a quick analysis of the difference between these 2 options:

 

Change of Status

 

  • A change of status is the process of going from one non-immigrant status to another non-immigrant status.

 

  • In order to do a change of status, you must be lawfully present in the United States in some valid non-immigrant status.

 

  • A change of status is done entirely within the United States. You are not required to travel abroad.

 

  • There is no interview when doing a change of status.

 

  • Certain nonimmigrant classifications are ineligible for a change of status such as the ESTA and the K1 visa.

 

  • If you do a change of status, you do not get an L1 visa. Instead, you get L1 status. Your L1 status is only valid while you are in the United States. If you leave the United States, your L1 status ends and you will have to either apply for an L1 visa abroad or obtain another basis for entry to the United States.

 

  • In certain situations, traveling to Canada and Mexico for a limited period will not disrupt your status.

 

Visa Processing

 

  • If you are outside of the United States, you will most likely do visa processing.

 

  • Visa processing involves applying for an L1 visa at a US Consulate abroad.

 

  • Visa processing also requires an interview.

 

  • With an L1 visa, you can travel in and out of the United States.

 

Change of Status Process

 

  • To do a change of status, your immigration lawyer will prepare and file a Form I-129 (and the L-supplement) with USCIS, requesting a change of status on your behalf.

 

  • Along with the Form I-129, your immigration lawyer will include all supporting documents such as your job offer to work for the US company, company financial statements, and the other documents specified above.

 

  • Once the I-129 is approved, you are granted L1 status.

 

Visa Processing Process

 

  • To do visa processing, your immigration lawyer will prepare and file a Form I-129 (and the L-supplement) with USCIS on your behalf. Your immigration lawyer will include all supporting document with this petition.

 

  • You must also submit a Form DS-160, online, to the State Department.

 

  • Upon approval of your I-129, you must submit to the appropriate US Consulate abroad, your notice of approval, along with several other documents including your L1 petition which was submitted to USCIS and passport photos.

 

  • The US Consulate will then schedule an interview with you where they may ask you various questions about your L1 petition.

 

  • Upon successful completion of your L1 visa interview, you should be issued an L1 visa within a week (depending on the Consulate).

 

Important Note for Citizens of Canada:

 

  • If you are a citizen of Canada, you can apply for your L1 visa directly at a US port of entry (POE).

 

  • To do this, you would submit your documentation directly to the Customs and Border Protection Agency.

 

  • As a citizen of Canada, you are not required to file an L1 petition with USCIS.

 

5. Step 4 of the L1 Visa Process: Start Work

 

Once your change of status is approved, or your visa is issued, the next step is to start your employment with the US company.

 

6. Conclusion

 

The L1 visa is a great option for certain workers to transfer from a foreign company to a related US company.

 

You should now have a much better understanding of the L1 visa process.

 

There are essentially 4 main steps:

 

Step 1: Hire an Immigration Lawyer

 

Step 2: Document Preparation

 

Step 3: Change of Status or Visa Processing

 

Step 4: Start Work

 

If you have any questions about anything discussed in this article, please feel free to email me at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

 

Ashoori Law is a Los Angeles based immigration law firm focused on helping entrepreneurs and business professionals get visas to the United States.

 

Resources:

 

 

 

 

  • Law Offices of Fred Voigtmann

Share this post...

Posted in , ,
Search
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Ashoori Law
Based on 959 reviews
See all reviews
gaurav K.
These guys are really serious people.
Well informed, well versed with product and process they offer.
Really these people believe and follow team work.
I was a bit hesitant initially.. but Ashoori law firm proved me that they are the best in business.
Along with their professional approach to everything they are really friendly and try to keep the client calm and positive towards everything.
Even they keep their clients updated with every single change and detail to the changes in the system

This firm is highly recommended.
YOU ARE IN SAFE HANDS.
And yes me and my family got E 2 visa under the guidance of these amazing people.
Tom & Jess T.
Ashoori Law has been incredible to work with. They helped us secure our E-2 visas, and thanks to their guidance and expertise, we are now living in the US and growing our business. We are extremely grateful for their support throughout the entire process.

We highly recommend Ashoori Law to anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable immigration support. Their team truly goes above and beyond.
xhensila B.
Ashoori Law Office has been outstanding throughout my immigration process. I’m especially grateful for Geo’s constant support, professionalism, and guidance. His help made a big difference. Highly recommended!
Oge A.
Exceptional Immigration Representation for EB1A

After a previous self-petition for my EB1A was unsuccessful, I knew I needed expert support from a legal team that could truly understand the uniqueness of my background and help me present the strongest case possible. Ashoori Law came highly recommended and the firm exceeded my expectations by pairing me with the perfect attorney for my case, Catalina Leff.

From the start, it was clear that Catalina brought a depth of knowledge, strategic insight, and an incredibly sharp eye for detail. My professional profile didn’t fit the “typical” EB1A mold, but that didn’t deter her. Instead, her versatility, legal creativity, and experience with complex and non-traditional cases made all the difference. She helped me organise my evidence in a way that told a compelling story and made spot-on recommendations that significantly elevated the quality and clarity of my petition.

Communication throughout the process was seamless. The coordination between Ashoori Law’s support team and Catalina was excellent. I always felt supported, informed, and confident in the next steps. Every interaction with Catalina was professional yet personal, and I was never left wondering about the status of my case. Catalonia’s guidance and complete control of the process was unquestionable.

Most importantly, the case was successful, and I believe that’s a direct result of the exceptional representation I received. It is one thing to have an attorney who knows the process and confident in her work but also most important to follow and trust the attorney’s direction(s). I enjoyed working with Catalina Leff and I am thankful for every support rendered. . I wholeheartedly recommend Ashoori Law, especially Catalina Leff, for anyone pursuing a high-stakes immigration petition such as an EB-1A. Their ability to identify the right legal strategy and deliver with precision and care was exactly what I needed, and I’m incredibly grateful.
Imthiyaz S.
I would like to express my most heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Michael Ashoori and the entire Ashoori Law team. I just received my passport with my E2 visa stamp this morning and I boarded my flight to the US tonight. It has been a long and stressful journey with many stops, starts, pivots, and redirections. Along the way my assigned attorney Pardeep Singh was patient and very generous with his time accommodating the twist and turns of my application. He understood how important the application was to me personally; it was not just “another file” for him. He used to tell me, that “on game day (interview date) to ensure the best chances of success, it is critical that the Consular officer have a well-prepared application in front of him” so he was always focused on the smallest details. He delivered on what he and Michael promised, and I was approved. My family and I are very happy!

Thank you again Michael and Pradeep!
Harsimranjit S.
Great firm followed by excellent people and very knowledgeable.. no drama and top notch professionals .. they know what they are doing…
Feel free to reach out for your immigration needs..
Raj B.
I would like to thank Michael Ashoori and his entire team for my E2 approval! I would like to give a very special thank you to my assigned attorney, Pardeep Singh for his dedication, attention to detail, mastery of the law, and the excellent application he presented to the Consulate. Being a seasoned executive with decades of business experience, routinely interacting with “icons and titans” of the hospitality industry from around the world, I already had my own vision of how to portray my business, what documents to produce, and how best it should be presented. Pardeep took all the data, completely dissected it, disregarded nonrelevant items, and reorganized the data and documents so that they were a “natural” fit with all the required elements of the visa. He over engineered my entire file, prepared me for the interview thoroughly, had me repeatedly watch Michael’s interview prep videos, and at the interview all went smoothly and I was approved. I whole heartedly endorse Michael Ashoori, his entire team, and Pardeep! To anybody looking for immigration services, the Ashoori team truly care and take a vested interest in your success.

My business is multinational and the crown jewel is opening my US office. With my E2 approval, I can now pursue my dream of expanding my business in the vast US market. Again, thank you Michael, I am glad I found you!

Raj B.
Gret B.
I have used Ashoori Law and will be using again in the future! I highly recommend them! They will not disappoint! Thank you for everything you have done for me and my family!
Ruel
A great team whose core values embody professionalism and integrity. Would highly recommend them. They also network with other immigration firms and bring you news on the latest updates.
D
“Outstanding service and exceptionally smooth experience with Ashoori law group. From the very beginning, they showed professionalism, kept clear communication, and dedication time to my case. Every step of the process was handled with care and efficiency, They made my E2 visa process stress-free. It was well managed and level of supported was phenomenal. I am truly impressed with the quality of their work and the level of attention they provide. I highly recommend Ashoori law group to anyone seeking reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy legal services.”
Dzidula P.
It was tough, but the Ashoori Law firm made it easier than anything. It was within 4 months, and the case was closed. Officers at Ashoori Law, including John Walton, Charlotte, Matthew Larsen, and especially Attorney RYAN MORGAN KNIGHT. Ryan was exceptionally efficient, knowledgeable, and dedicated to his clients. I was impressed by his promptness and expertise. I actually had concerns about my case and was worried when ICE was deployed to our area, so I requested Attorney Knight to accompany me to the USCIS office. He kindly accommodated my request. John Walton was always busy, but he would surely sort one out.
If you're looking for reliable and skilled immigration attorneys, I highly recommend Ashoori Law, particularly Attorney Ryan Morgan Knight.
NB: I still want to talk to Attorney Michael Ashoori himself.
Saman I.
I worked with Ashoori Law firm to get my wife's Green Card processing. My experience has been VERY POSITIVE and I REALLY felt good about the way I was treated. Attorney Matthew Larsen closely checked my paper work and responded to my questions in professionally and timely. I would RECOMMEND Ashoori Law firm for any one looking for immigration guidance.
Ankur B.
Outstanding service from Ashoori Law! They successfully guided me through my E2 process. Their comprehensive approach, which included crafting a strong, custom business plan, was invaluable. The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and made a complex journey surprisingly smooth. My visa was approved without any issues. Highly recommend!
Muhammad L.
I had a great experience working with *Ashoori Law Firm*.
The team was professional, knowledgeable, and highly responsive throughout the entire process. They explained everything clearly, answered all my questions, and guided me step by step with confidence and care.

What stood out most was their attention to detail and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. I truly felt that my case was in good hands. I highly recommend Ashori Law Firm to anyone looking for reliable and experienced legal representation.
C Tim W.
My wife, legally, immigrated from China. My overall impression (I have a lot of experiences with lawyers) is, how can someone work so hard for what seems to me, a very fair price?
Mir Motors L.
A professional group of informed and dedicated lawyers and their colleagues who helped and guided us with everything, from establishing our company, opening business bank account, to getting us E2 status. Thank you.
Asad R.
-Testimonial for Attorney Michael Ashoori-
Working with Attorney Michael Ashoori and his team has been a defining experience that reaffirmed my belief in the power of expertise, integrity, and precision within the U.S. immigration process. Their work embodies not only legal mastery but also a profound respect for time, structure, and the human journey that accompanies every petition.
From the outset, timely efficiency was the hallmark of their practice. Every correspondence, submission, and milestone followed a disciplined rhythm that inspired confidence and eliminated uncertainty. Their responsiveness and attention to every procedural nuance made the experience not merely efficient but deeply reassuring.
Equally remarkable was the confidence and composure with which Mr. Ashoori approached my case. His guidance carried an unmistakable authority rooted in experience — a calm assurance that every step had purpose and precision. That confidence became contagious, transforming complexity into trust and replacing anxiety with clarity.
His profound understanding of legal intricacies and his ability to navigate the most complex statutory frameworks were truly exceptional. He did not view regulations as obstacles but as coordinates — guiding the process with foresight, accuracy, and impeccable compliance. Each decision was grounded in legal intelligence and strategic judgment.
Above all, it was Mr. Ashoori’s far-sightedness that set him apart. He could anticipate the legal and procedural landscape long before it unfolded — shaping my case not as a technical filing, but as a compelling narrative of merit, purpose, and credibility.
In my entire episode of milestones, one conclusion stands clear:
You must place your full trust in your attorney. They are far ahead of what you can imagine — guided by insight, experience, and an unshakable understanding of compliance.
In my case, I was guided with unwavering precision at every turn. Once you entrust your case to capable legal counsel, you begin to witness the true power of expertise in motion. Every moment invested in selecting an attorney of integrity and reputation is worth its weight in certainty and peace of mind. The complexities of this process demand discipline, foresight, and impeccable timing — and that is precisely where seasoned experience becomes invaluable.
I undertook the due diligence, completed the legwork, and made the decision to be represented by Attorney Michael Ashoori — a decision that defined the outcome of my journey. My sincere advice to anyone beginning this path is simple: step forward with trust, and allow yourself to experience the same clarity, confidence, and success that I did.
Michael Ashoori and his network of attorneys represent excellence. They are meticulously selected, profoundly competent, and collectively uphold the highest standards of professionalism and compassion. If you are embarking on your immigration journey, save yourself the time, anxiety, and uncertainty — and make the right decision from the very beginning.
You, too, will one day write a testimonial like this — from the other side of success.
With my deepest gratitude and utmost respect,

Dr. Asad Rana
EB-1A petition approved Day14 – Premium processing – No RFE
Gurjit singh K.
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ashoori law Firm to navigate the complex process of obtaining an E2 visa, and I couldn't be more grateful for their expertise and support. From the initial consultation to the final approval, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. They took the time to understand my specific situation, provided clear guidance, and handled all the paperwork with precision. Their dedication and commitment to their clients are truly commendable. If you're looking for a reliable and trustworthy immigration firm, look no further than Ashoori law firm. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give them ten stars if I could!"
Alpitkumar P.
Ashoori law firm is really helpful to me. Andrew diamond is best lawyer to ease my application and helped me every single path of my application.
I highly recommended to this firm .
gurpreet S.
Amazing Experience with Ashoori Law for My E2 Visa Application

I’m so thankful to have worked with Ashoori Law for my E2 Visa process. From the very first consultation, the entire team made me feel confident and supported. Immigration can be stressful and complicated, but everyone at Ashoori Law made things clear and easy to understand.

A special thank you to Attorney Shruti Bali, who guided me through every step with so much patience, kindness, and professionalism. She was always available to answer my questions and took the time to explain everything in detail. Her dedication and personal care truly made this experience smooth and successful.

Thanks to Ashoori Law and Shruti Bali, my E2 Visa process went perfectly. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with. I highly recommend Ashoori Law to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, reliable, and genuinely caring immigration firm.

Thank you again for all your help and support — I’ll always be grateful!
naveen V.
I’m really happy with the service from Ashoori Law. They were professional, responsive, and followed up regularly during my EB-2 NIW process. Great experience overall and highly recommend them!
LV B.
I cannot thank the entire team enough for all the work they did throughout my immigration process. Everything went so smoothly thanks to their excellent, well-organized approach and teamwork.
I especially want to mention Michael, Randal, and Patricia, Robert, for all the work they did during this process.
They are such a polite, caring, and informative team and easy to approach when you have concerns. They truly support their clients.
I also want to highlight the videos Michael shares on YouTube and emails. These videos are very useful and keep clients fully informed about the latest immigration news and changes, making the whole process much clearer and easier to follow.
I don’t think all lawyers take the time to do this, and it really shows the care and dedication of Michael and the team.
Among the many immigration lawyers recommended to me, I’m so happy I chose Ashoori Law team.
You can work with them completely confidently.👌🏼
Leios C.
We love Attorney Ashoori's detailed and clear videos on YouTube explaining the path to obtaining U.S Visas. I have recommended my clients to work with him several times and he provides a clear pathway to success in entrepreneurs' visa journey.
subbha S.
Ashori Law worked great for us, in processing I-751. They regularly checked with us and have answered any questions we had.
Shyam C.
Ashoori Law has done an excellent job with my second visa extension. Their team is extremely professional, organized, and always on top of every detail. They are responsive, never make you feel like they are too busy, and take the time to answer all questions clearly and promptly. I truly appreciate their dedication and highly recommend them for anyone seeking reliable immigration support.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Michael Ashoori Headshot

Michael Ashoori, Esq.

President of Ashoori Law

I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and I help families, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs get visas, green cards, and citizenship to the United States.

Since starting my law firm, I’ve helped thousands of people from all over the world with their immigration needs. I’m very passionate, hard-working, and committed to my clients.

Got a question? Send me an email.

REQUEST A CONSULTATION