L-1 Visa Lawyer in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA

Helping Multinational Companies Secure L-1A and L-1B Visas for Executives and Specialists

At Wheatley Immigration Law, LLC, we understand the critical importance of bringing key talent to the U.S. to support your business operations. The L-1 visa category, encompassing both the L-1A for executives and managers and the L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge, serves as an essential tool for multinational companies seeking to transfer vital personnel into the United States.

Whether you're growing your presence in the U.S. or ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations, our team is here to support you every step of the way. With offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we're ready to help you succeed.

Overview of L-1 Visas

The L-1 visa program is designed to simplify the process of transferring employees within multinational organizations. This visa category is ideal for companies looking to bring foreign-based executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. offices, or to establish a new U.S. branch.

The L-1A visa is tailored to executives and managers, while the L-1B visa focuses on individuals who possess advanced or proprietary knowledge crucial to the organization. By utilizing the L-1 visa, companies can strengthen their operations and ensure that critical expertise is available where it’s needed most.

Eligibility Requirements 

L-1A Visa Requirements 

The employee must have worked in an executive or managerial role abroad for the company for at least one continuous year within the past three years and be transferring to a similar role in the U.S. office or branch.

L-1B Visa Requirements 

The employee must possess specialized knowledge about the organization’s products, services, or internal processes that is not commonly known or easily accessible. Additionally, the role in the U.S. must require the application of this expertise.

Employer Obligations 

Employers must establish a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign entities (e.g., parent company, subsidiary, affiliate) and demonstrate that both entities are actively conducting business.

The L-1 Visa Application Process

The L-1 visa application process involves multiple steps and requires thorough preparation to ensure a successful outcome.

These steps include:

• Filing the Petition: Employers must submit Form I-129 with a detailed letter and supporting documents to USCIS. 
• Document Preparation: To demonstrate eligibility, include organizational charts, job descriptions, employment records, and proof of a qualifying relationship. 
• Visa Application: After the petition is approved, the employee applies for the L-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. 
• Timeline: Processing times vary, so prepare and submit early to avoid delays.

These applications often face issues such as denials due to vague or insufficient job descriptions, inadequate documentation of qualifying relationships, or a lack of clarity regarding specialized knowledge.

How Our Louisiana Immigration Lawyers Can Help

At Wheatley Immigration Law, LLC, we tackle challenges head-on by crafting comprehensive, well-documented petitions that meet USCIS standards. From creating compelling job descriptions to meticulously organizing supporting evidence, we ensure your application is polished and positioned to stand out.

We specialize in immigration law, helping multinational corporations navigate the complexities of global mobility. With direct experience handling L-1 cases, our attorneys in New Orleans and Baton Rouge can provide tailored legal guidance and personalized support to meet your needs. 

Don’t leave your L-1 visa strategy to chance. Contact us online or call (504) 784-6803 today to schedule an appointment!