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L-1 Visa

Welcome to Bridgewood & Co.’s dedicated L-1 Visa Lawyer Services page. Below, you will find clear and practical information about the L-1 visa process, eligibility requirements, processing timelines, and the key advantages of the L-1 visa for multinational companies and executives.

 

As part of our L-1 visa legal services, Bridgewood & Co. provides comprehensive guidance at every stage of the application. We assist with preparing and filing your L-1 petition, organizing supporting documentation, and navigating consular or USCIS procedures—ensuring your case is presented accurately, strategically, and in full compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.

 

Our goal is to simplify the L-1 visa process while helping you achieve a smooth transfer to the United States, whether you are an executive, manager, or employee with specialized knowledge.

What Is an L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed primarily for intercompany transfers, allowing multinational companies to transfer certain employees from a foreign office to a related U.S. entity. In addition to employee transfers, the L-1 visa can also serve as an effective investor and business expansion solution for foreign business owners seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States.

Under the L-1 visa program, a foreign company with a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate relationship with a U.S. company may transfer executive, managerial, or specialized-knowledge employees to the United States for a temporary period. The visa also provides a valuable pathway for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to relocate to the U.S. to open a new office or launch a U.S. affiliate.

Foreign business owners may qualify for an L-1 New Office visa by transferring themselves to the United States in an executive or managerial capacity to establish and operate a new U.S. entity. This option is particularly attractive for companies seeking to expand into the U.S. market while maintaining international operations.

At Bridgewood & Co., we guide clients through the L-1 visa process from initial eligibility assessment through approval, ensuring that both the immigration and business requirements are properly aligned.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for an L-1 visa, our experienced L-1 visa attorneys are available to provide a candid assessment of your case and advise you on the most appropriate next steps.

The L-1 visa is widely regarded as one of the most advantageous business and investor visa options due to its flexibility and long-term benefits. Key advantages include:
Unlike certain nonimmigrant visas, such as the H-1B, the L-1 visa is not subject to an annual quota or lottery system. Eligible applicants may apply at any time of the year, offering predictability and flexibility for businesses and executives.
L-1 visa holders may bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States under L-2 dependent status. L-2 spouses are eligible to apply for employment authorization, allowing them to work legally in the United States. L-2 children may reside in the U.S. and attend school but are not authorized to work. This family benefit provides a significant advantage compared to many other nonimmigrant visa categories.
One of the most important benefits of the L-1 visa is its dual intent nature. L-1 visa holders may pursue permanent residence (a green card) without jeopardizing their nonimmigrant status. In particular, L-1A managers and executives may be eligible to apply for an EB-1 Multinational Manager or Executive green card, one of the fastest employment-based permanent residence options available. As part of our L-1 visa lawyer services, Bridgewood & Co. represents clients through both the L-1 visa process and the EB-1 green card process, providing continuity and long-term immigration planning.

How Bridgewood & Co. Can Help

Our L-1 visa services include:

  • Eligibility assessment for L-1A and L-1B visas

  • New Office L-1 visa strategy and filings

  • Corporate structuring to meet immigration requirements

  • Preparation and filing of USCIS petitions

  • Guidance on extensions, renewals, and green card pathways

Our focus is on building strong, well-documented cases that support both immediate visa approval and long-term business and immigration goals.

L-1 visa requirements

To qualify for an L-1 visa, the applicant must meet all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. These requirements apply both to intracompany transfers of existing employees and to foreign business owners or investors seeking to establish a new office or branch of their company in the United States.

Below is a summary of the key L-1 visa eligibility criteria.

Qualifying Relationship with the Foreign Company

A fundamental requirement of the L-1 visa program is the existence of a qualifying relationship between the foreign company and the U.S. entity that will employ the L-1 visa applicant.

Under U.S. immigration regulations, the U.S. company must be a:

  • Parent

  • Subsidiary

  • Branch, or

  • Affiliate

of the foreign company filing the petition.

A qualifying relationship is established by demonstrating common ownership and control between the foreign and U.S. entities. Two companies are considered affiliates when they are owned and controlled by the same individuals or control group, even if the ownership percentages differ.

To meet this requirement, the relationship must be supported by clear documentary evidence, such as:

  • Articles of incorporation and corporate registration documents

  • Shareholder records and ownership charts

  • Operating agreements or bylaws

  • Financial and corporate records showing common control

At Bridgewood & Co., we assist clients in properly structuring and documenting corporate relationships to ensure compliance with L-1 visa requirements while supporting sound business operations and long-term immigration strategy.

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