How L-1 visas can benefit companies that need specialized talent

On Behalf of | Apr 14, 2023 | Employment Immigration

There are numerous visa programs that apply to different industries and work-related situations in the U.S. Some of them are very specific, like visas for medical doctors, while other programs are more generic and may apply to many professionals with specialized skills.

Companies often seek less-specialized visas when they want to recruit international talent to fill domestic roles. However, generic visa programs that allow companies to hire outside recruits can be very difficult to navigate. The popular H-1B visa program, for example, gives out visas on a lottery basis. Organizations could apply year after year and never obtain a visa.

Compared with certain other competitive or restrictive visa programs, the L-1 visa program can be a viable option when an employer needs specific types of support and already has established international operations and skilled staff working abroad.

The L-1 visa is for intracompany transfers

Unlike other visas that allow companies to recruit new talent from abroad, the L-1 visa is specifically for organizations that already have a professional on their payroll. The L-1A visa is for executives and managers, while the L-1B visa is for those who perform work that requires specialized knowledge, like an advanced degree.

Managers and other professionals working for the company could potentially qualify for an L-1 visa that will allow them to accept a position with the company in the United States. The visa will be eligible for renewal in many cases, and sometimes those who enter the country on an L-1 visa eventually qualify for green cards, allowing them to continue working for the employer indefinitely.

Employment visas can be hard to obtain

Filling out the paperwork necessary to secure government permission to bring foreign professionals to the United States is outside the skill set of the average corporate worker. In fact, even many licensed attorneys do not know how to properly navigate the process.

Businesses need proper legal support if they hope to select the right visa program given their organizational needs and minimize the possibility of mistakes or oversights complicating their application process. Learning more about L-1 intracompany transfer visas and other popular employment visa programs with the assistance of a legal professional can help organizations explore opportunities to get the staffing they need to remain competitive.