L1 Visa for Canadian

L1 Visa in Calgary for United States

The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to work in the United States. It’s an essential option for businesses in Calgary looking to expand their operations and bring their international talent to the U.S. Whether you are an employer seeking to transfer key employees or an individual looking to advance your career in the U.S., the L1 Visa for the United States provides a unique opportunity for growth and success.

What is the L1 visa?

The L1 visa is primarily used by multinational companies to transfer employees with specialized knowledge or managerial/executive roles to their U.S. offices. The two types of L1 visas are:

L1-A Visa: For managers and executives.
L1-B Visa: For employees with specialized knowledge.

These visas allow companies to leverage their global talent pool and ensure that the same high standards of management and expertise are maintained across their U.S. operations.

L1 Visa Requirements for Applicants in Calgary

To apply for the L1 Visa in Calgary, both the employee (beneficiary) and the employer (petitioner) must meet specific eligibility requirements. These include:

Qualifying Relationship Between Companies: The employer must be a multinational company with an office in both the U.S. and Calgary (Canada). This can be a parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Employee Eligibility:
L1-A Visa: Applicants must have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year in the past three years in a managerial or executive capacity.
L1-B Visa: Applicants must possess specialized knowledge related to the company’s products, services, or procedures.
U.S. Office Requirement: The U.S. office must be operational and ready to accept the transferred employee.

L1 Visa in Calgary

Benefits of the L1 Visa for Canadian Citizens

For individuals in Calgary, the L1 Visa offers several benefits:

Work in the U.S.: The L1 Visa allows Canadian workers to legally work in the United States in their specialized field or managerial capacity.
Extended Stay: The L1-A Visa is valid for up to seven years, while the L1-B Visa is valid for up to five years.
Path to Green Card: The L1-A Visa holder can apply for a Green Card (permanent residency) through the EB-1C route, which is often faster and more favorable than other routes.
Dependents: L-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and children under 21 to the U.S. under the L-2 visa status. L-2 visa holders can also work in the U.S. upon approval.

How to Apply for the L1 Visa in Calgary

The process of applying for the L1 visa can be detailed and requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for an L1 visa for the United States from Calgary:

Step 1: File a Petition with USCIS: The first step is for the employer to file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition will include information about the company and the employee’s role and qualifications.
Step 2: Wait for USCIS Approval: Once the petition is filed, USCIS will review it and either approve or deny the petition. If approved, USCIS will issue a Notice of Approval (Form I-797).
Step 3: Apply for the L1 Visa at the U.S. Consulate: After USCIS approval, the employee can apply for an L1 Visa at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy in Calgary. This involves submitting the appropriate visa application form (DS-160) and attending a visa interview.
Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview: During the visa interview at the U.S. Consulate in Calgary, the applicant must present their petition approval notice, passport, and other supporting documents (such as proof of employment, the relationship between the companies, and qualifications).
Step 5: Receive Your L1 Visa: After the interview and successful application, the employee will receive the L1 Visa, allowing them to enter the U.S. and work for the employer.

L1 Visa Fees for Applicants in Calgary

The fees associated with the L1 Visa for the United States vary depending on the type of application and the employer’s status. Typical fees include:

Form I-129 Filing Fee: $460 (for the petition).
Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500 (for employers with 25 or fewer employees).
L1 Visa Application Fee: Approximately $190 (for the visa application at the U.S. Consulate in Calgary).
Premium Processing Fee (Optional): $2,500 for faster processing of the I-129 petition.

Key Considerations for L1 Visa Applicants in Calgary

L1 Visa Extension: The L1 Visa can be extended as long as the employee continues to meet the requirements. Extensions are subject to approval.
Switching Employers: If an L1 visa holder wants to change employers, they must apply for a new visa under the new employer’s sponsorship.
L1 Visa Denial: If the visa is denied, applicants may have the option to appeal or reapply. It’s essential to work with an experienced immigration attorney if this happens.

Why Choose Convirzon for Your L1 Visa Application?

Navigating the L1 Visa process can be complex, but with the right legal and procedural guidance, the process can be much smoother. Convirzon specializes in helping Canadian businesses and employees in Calgary with their L1 visa applications. Our team of immigration experts will guide you through the petition process, ensuring that all documents are correctly submitted and that your application stands the best chance of success.

We offer tailored services for businesses and individuals, from initial consultations to full application support, ensuring that the L1 Visa process is as seamless as possible.

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