Successful companies often seek to expand their operations. Growth may be localized or regional initially, but many companies eventually develop an international presence. Companies that started in other markets may eventually open facilities in the United States. Domestic companies may eventually open locations in other countries.
International operations create a variety of challenges for business leaders. They also provide more access to resources and opportunities. For example, companies may hire talent for international locations that outshine the candidates applying for domestic positions. Executives, managers and even industry specialists with information about business operations could all theoretically qualify for positions at domestic facilities. Organizations with vacancies to fill in the United States may be able to seek visas that allow for an intracompany transfer.
There are two main types of transfer visas
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues a variety of different visas for foreign professionals seeking employment opportunities in the United States. Frequently, employers can assist professionals as they pursue employment visas.
There is even one specialized category of employment pieces that specifically relate to intracompany transfers. L visas can help organizations hoping to bring specific professionals from international facilities to work at their domestic locations.
An L-1A visa is specifically for the benefit of executives and managers. Those who have helped operate a company could qualify for an L-1A visa if their employer wants them to assume a similar role at a facility in the United States.
There’s also an L-1B visa for workers other than managers and executives. Professionals who have specialized knowledge, such as extensive training on a company’s proprietary production processes, could potentially qualify for L-1B visas. They can legally enter the United States to accept a domestic position with their current employer.
L visas are typically valid for up to three years initially. Workers can renew them twice in two-year increments, allowing for a total stay of up to seven years. At that point, professionals may be eligible to apply for a green card in some cases.
Discussing the possibility of a domestic transfer with an existing employee could be the first step toward bringing top talent to the United States. Business leaders and human resources professionals often need assistance as they pursue employment visas for foreign employees who could help their company with domestic operations, and that’s okay. Seeking legal guidance is a great way to get started.