L-1A Intracompany Transfer in Irvine: Executive & Manager Visa for Business Owners
Relocate your business leadership to Orange County with the L-1A multinational manager visa
Quick Answer
Irvine's thriving business environment attracts multinational companies and entrepreneurs from around the world. SoCal Immigration Services helps executives, managers, and business owners from the Middle East transfer to their U.S. operations through the L-1A intracompany transfer visa program.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Irvine's thriving business environment attracts multinational companies and entrepreneurs from around the world. SoCal Immigration Services helps executives, managers, and business owners from the Middle East transfer to their U.S. operations through the L-1A intracompany transfer visa program.
What is the L-1A Intracompany Transfer Visa?
• Business owners opening U.S. branches of their foreign companies
• Executives relocating to manage U.S. operations
• Managers overseeing U.S. staff or company functions
• Entrepreneurs expanding their businesses to America
The L-1A offers significant advantages including no annual cap, work authorization for spouses, and a direct path to green card.
L-1A Eligibility Requirements
- •Worked for the foreign company for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years
- •Employed in an executive or managerial capacity abroad
- •Coming to work in an executive or managerial capacity in the U.S.
- •Qualifying relationship between foreign and U.S. companies (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch)
- •U.S. company must be doing business or actively planning to do business
Executive vs. Managerial Capacity Defined
| Capacity | Key Characteristics | USCIS Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Executive | Directs management, makes major decisions, minimal supervision | High-level authority, broad discretion |
| Manager (Personnel) | Manages professional employees, controls department/function | Supervises other managers or professionals |
| Manager (Function) | Manages essential function at senior level | Function must be clearly defined and essential |
Qualifying Corporate Relationships
- •Parent Company: U.S. company owns controlling interest in foreign company (or vice versa)
- •Subsidiary: One company owns more than 50% of the other
- •Affiliate: Same parent company owns both, or same group of individuals own both
- •Branch: Same company operating in different locations
L-1A for New Offices in Irvine
• Initial petition valid for 1 year (not 3 years)
• Must show physical premises secured or commitment to secure
• Must demonstrate sufficient investment to support executive/manager role
• Business plan showing how manager/executive role will be utilized
• Evidence of the foreign company's ability to pay salaries and develop U.S. operations
After one year, you can extend by showing the company has grown enough to support a true managerial or executive role.
L-1A Processing Options
| Processing Type | Timeline | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Processing | 4-6 months | Base filing fee | Non-urgent transfers |
| Premium Processing | 15 business days | Additional $2,805 | Urgent business needs |
| Blanket L Petition | Faster for large companies | Pre-approval required | Companies with multiple transfers |
Required Documentation for L-1A
- •Evidence of qualifying relationship between companies
- •Foreign company financial statements and business registration
- •U.S. company incorporation documents and business licenses
- •Your resume and evidence of foreign employment
- •Organizational charts showing your position abroad and in U.S.
- •Job description detailing executive/managerial duties
- •Evidence of U.S. company's ability to pay your salary
- •Lease or deed for U.S. business premises
- •Business plan (especially for new offices)
L-1A Duration and Extensions
- •New Office: Initial 1-year period, then extensions in 2-year increments
- •Existing Office: Initial 3-year period, extensions in 2-year increments
- •Maximum Stay: 7 years total for L-1A (executives and managers)
- •Extension Denied: Must show company has grown to support managerial role
- •Grace Period: 60 days if employment ends before L-1 expires
L-1A to Green Card Pathway
• EB-1C Category: Multinational managers and executives
• No Labor Certification (PERM) required
• Currently no significant visa backlogs for most countries
• Can file I-140 and I-485 concurrently when visa numbers available
• Priority Date is the date I-140 is filed
This makes L-1A one of the fastest paths from work visa to green card.
Benefits for Your Family
- •L-2 Dependent Visa: Spouse and unmarried children under 21
- •Spouse Work Authorization: L-2 spouses can apply for EAD to work anywhere
- •Children's Education: Children can attend school in the U.S.
- •Green Card Together: Family included in EB-1C green card petition
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I start a new business and get an L-1A visa?
A: Yes, but you must have an existing foreign company where you've worked as executive/manager for at least 1 year. You can then open a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate of that company.
Q:What's the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
A: L-1A is for executives and managers with a 7-year maximum stay. L-1B is for specialized knowledge workers with a 5-year maximum. L-1A has a clearer path to green card through EB-1C.
Q:Does my U.S. company need employees for L-1A approval?
A: For existing offices, yes - you typically need staff to manage. For new offices, you need a realistic plan showing how you'll grow into a true managerial role within the first year.
Q:Can I own the foreign and U.S. companies myself?
A: Yes, owner-operators can qualify for L-1A. However, you must demonstrate you're performing managerial or executive duties, not primarily hands-on work.
Q:What happens if my L-1A extension is denied?
A: Common denial reasons include insufficient staff to manage or too much hands-on work. You typically have 60 days to leave the U.S. or file an appeal/motion to reopen.
Q:Can my spouse work on L-2 visa?
A: Yes! L-2 spouses can apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and work for any employer in the U.S. This is a significant benefit of L-1 status.
Q:How much investment is needed for a new office?
A: There's no set amount, but USCIS expects sufficient investment to support executive operations - typically including office space, equipment, and operating capital.
Q:Can I apply for L-1A from outside the U.S.?
A: Yes. After USCIS approves the petition, you'll have a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in your home country before traveling to America.
Expand Your Business to America
Bring your executive talent and business vision to Irvine. Our Arabic-speaking team helps multinational executives and business owners navigate the L-1A process.
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