The L-1A visa program?

The L-1A nonimmigrant classification enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the United States with the purpose of establishing one. The employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with fee, on behalf of the employee.

This dual purpose visa — meaning that its beneficiaries can apply for permanent residency after receiving it — is designed to allow those in leadership positions to establish or further their company’s business interests across international borders. The L-1A visa requires certain levels of qualifications, and only employees who serve in executive or managerial capacities can receive a visa under this classification.

Executive capacity: The employee has the ability to make professional decisions without significant oversight
Managerial capacity: The employee has the ability to supervise and control the work of professional-level employees and/or an essential function of the organization.

More Investment Visas

L-1A International Managers

Manager or executive works for foreign company that is related to a US company by 50% or more common ownership. The manager must have worked for the foreign company for one of the past three years and must be coming to the US company to work in a managerial or executive capacity.

E-1 Treaty Traders

The United States has signed a number of treaties with foreign nations designed to promote trade and investment. The E-1 visa category allows applicants and their minor children to apply for derivative E-1 visas so they do not have to separate from their families.

E-2 Treaty Investors

Owner or Developer of the new enterprise from a treaty country (see list of treaty countries) has 50% or more ownership in a substantial US employment creating investment. As a general rule substantial means $200,000 or more. Although smaller investments are often approved the risk of denial increases as one heads south of $200,000.

EB-5 Immigrant Visas

Individual invests $500,000 in a high unemployment area (150% of national unemployment rate) or $1,000,000 elsewhere and hires 10 persons within 2 years, or invests in a Regional Center and may use job multiplier studies instead of direct employment. Because this category has been controversial INS processing times are slow and unpredictable.

None of the investor categories have language, education or business experience requirements.

L-1A Visa