L-1A Visa New US Branch

Video Transcript – Part 5 – Intra-Company Transfer L-1A and L-1B Visas

Part 5 – Intra-Company Transfer L-1A and L-1B Visas

Welcome to the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram. We’re delighted to have you join us for part 5 in our video presentation on Intra-Company Transfers L-1A and L-1B Visas. In this segment we’re going to discuss the requirements of opening a U.S. branch, and we’ll go over how U.S. immigration defines a parent company, branch, subsidiary, and affiliate—all key concepts for establishing your new office the right way.

Establishing a Management or Executive Position For the New Office

When launching a U.S. branch, it’s critical to demonstrate—right from the start—that within the first 12 months, your office will be fully operational and capable of supporting an L-1A-level management or executive position.

This means that within the first year, the U.S. office must have hired employees or contractors to report to the L-1A executive or manager. This isn’t just a formality—USCIS wants to see a real business operation taking shape.

Securing the US Office:

Here’s an important step: Even though no visa would have been approved or even applied for at this stage, it is a requirement that the petitioner have already secured, typically by way of a lease agreement, the physical premises needed for the new office. In these cases, it would certainly be wise to insert into the lease terms, that the petitioner be excused from the lease if the visa petition was denied.

Demonstrating Sufficient Funding:

USCIS wants to make sure your home country’s company has the financial strength to fund the new U.S. office. That means providing documentation—such as financial statements—that prove the business has enough capital to support operations in the U.S.

After the First Year: The L-1A Renewal Process

For new branches, L-1A visas are initially issued for just one year. At the end of that year, we’ll need to file for an extension, showing that the branch has successfully launched and is operating as planned.

To qualify for the renewal, we must prove that:

1. The U.S. and foreign companies are still connected—the relationship remains intact.
2. The U.S. branch is actively doing business—not just set up on paper.
3. The executive or manager (L-1A beneficiary) has been carrying out their duties as described in the original application.
4. The executive or manager’s role moving forward continues to meet L-1A eligibility.
5. A staffing structure is in place—showing which positions have been filled.
6. A hiring plan exists for the future—outlining additional roles to be added.
7. Payroll records confirm that employees have been hired and paid as planned.

In the next presentation, we’ll wrap up the series by discussing blanket petitions, visa renewals, and family considerations. These are important topics for anyone planning to transfer employees or relocate with their loved ones.

Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you in the next video.

Chris M. Ingram, a U.S. Immigration Attorney, is originally from Northampton, England. He earned his BA (Hons) in Law from De Montfort University, Leicester, UK, in 1994. In 1996, he completed his Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PGDLP) at De Montfort School of Law, followed by a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Huddersfield University, UK, in 1998. After relocating to the United States, Chris was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2003 and has been a proud member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) since 2004.

Having experienced the U.S. immigration process firsthand with his wife and three children, Chris M. Ingram founded his law firm with a mission to ensure that every client receives the best possible immigration experience. He recognized the need for accessible and comprehensive immigration education, leading him to develop one of the most informative online platforms available today.

The Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram website now features:

1. Over 1,000 pages of immigration resources
2. Hundreds of educational videos on visa and green card options
3. Client success stories and testimonials to inspire new applicants

We continually update and expand our content to keep visitors informed about the latest immigration policies, visa options, and legal strategies.

Chris M. Ingram strongly believes that every potential client deserves a free consultation. This allows individuals to speak personally and confidentially with an immigration specialist about their visa, work permit, or green card options. Our goal is to provide the guidance and expertise needed to help you achieve your American Dream.
We’re delighted you’ve found us, and we look forward to helping you make your immigration journey a reality. You’ve come to the right place!

All videos and content created by the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram are intended for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. If you require specific guidance regarding your immigration case, please contact our office for personalized legal assistance.
Additionally, all images used on our website and in our videos are licensed stock images for illustrative purposes only. They do not depict actual clients or staff members unless otherwise noted