L1 visa holders who want to change their status and acquire green cards have a reasonable chance of doing so by moving from the L1 visa to the green card. If you are an L1A visa holder, you are an executive or manager; if you are an L1B visa holder, you are a specialized knowledge worker; certainly, the knowledge of the process is vital to the transition.
The L1 visa permits an employer of a multinational organization to move an employee from a company situated in another country to the United States. While the L1A visa is for an organization’s executive or manager moving to the United States, the L1B visa is for an employee with specialized knowledge. These visas are very vital in enabling companies to transfer their significant employees to support business in the United States.
L1 visa holders typically pursue one of the following employment-based categories for obtaining a green card:
EB-1C: Multinational Executives and Managers
The EB-1C category is reserved for transnational executives and caretakers, which is especially relevant in this scenario. It is the easiest to follow for L1A visa holders. Advantages include faster processing times and the elimination of the need for PERM Labor Certification.
EB-2: Advanced Degree Professionals and Exceptional Ability
The EB-2 category includes applicants with a Master’s degree or higher or, those exceptional abilities in their field. Both the L1A and L1B visa holders may apply for this category if they meet the provisions of the act. It usually demands a PERM Labor Certification.
EB-3: Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers
EB-3 is for professionals with job experience of at least 2 years, who have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent and other workers not requiring a license. In the same manner as EB-2, EB-3 also requires PERM Labor Certification.
For the EB-2 and the EB-3 employment categories, the PERM Labor Certification is required. This process involves:
“Thorough preparation and clear documentation are key to a successful visa application.”
In that case, the U.S. employer applies for Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker to the USCIS after getting the PERM Labor Certification. This petition must include:
The I-140 petition confirms the employee’s opportunity to obtain an employment-based green card.
When the I-140 petition has been approved and a visa number is available, the employee has the option to either just change their status if he or she is still in the United States or proceed with consular processing if the employee is in another country.
If the employee is in the U.S. he/she can submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This process involves:
Adjustment of status enables the employee to move from a nonimmigrant status (L1) to a permanent resident status within the United States without going back to his/her home country. Once the I–140 petition has been approved and a visa number is available, the employee has a choice of either doing an adjustment of status if he/she is in the United States, or through consular processing if the employee is in his/her home country, or any other.
If the employee is located in a foreign country, he or she has to go through consular processing which entails application for the immigrant visa. This process includes:
Consular processing is when an employee travels back to the U.S. consulate or embassy to finish the paperwork for applying for green cards. Finally, once the application has been granted, the employee is issued an immigrant visa to enable him/her to permanently live in the United States.
Have questions or need more information? Reach out to L1 Visa Services now and let our team help you navigate the L1 visa process smoothly and efficiently. Contact us to get started!
The waiting time to convert from an L1 visa holder into a permanent resident depends on the country of charge ability, the current inventory of cases, and the employment-based preference category. On average, the whole process can last from several months to several years. The commitment should be made early enough, and the required documents should be prepared to prevent a situation that might lead to a delay in the process.
“Starting early and staying organized can make a big difference in the green card application process.”
After a successful adjustment for status/ consular processing has been done, the L1 visa holder and his/her qualifying dependents ( spouse and unmarried child less than 21 years of age) will be issued green cards. This allows them to reside in the U.S. permanently and this permits them to work in the country. The right to remain, work and be granted an opportunity to apply for American citizenship provided the individual resides within the United States.
L1 Visa Services provides you with support throughout all the phases of the L1 visa application process. It starts by conducting a thorough consultation so that we are well-equipped with your situation and assess the merits of your eligibility for an L1 visa. Further, we would help prepare and gather all the documentation required, thereby making it compliant with USCIS guidelines.
Our team will then help you fill the Form I-129 and other pertinent forms that need to be submitted. We guide you throughout the entire process, keep track of the status of your petition, and respond to all requests and queries that come your way throughout the entire process. The aim is to make this L1 visa process simpler and more effective for the achievement of your career and business objectives in the U.S.
“Our comprehensive support helps you navigate the complex visa process with confidence.”
The transition from an L1 visa to a green card is difficult, but it is feasible with proper planning and preparation. Knowing what procedures to follow and ensuring that all standards are met will make the process go more smoothly and efficiently. With the right assistance and counsel, L1 visa holders can easily convert to permanent residency in the United States, providing new opportunities for themselves and their families.