Service Detail
L-1 Visa & Intracompany Business Transfer
The L-1 visa enables managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees of international companies to transfer to the U.S. office of the same company. BizHouston supports Turkish businesses planning U.S. expansion — from establishing the U.S. entity to operational setup — while coordinating with attorneys for the immigration petition.
Who Is This For?
- Turkish business owners and executives with an established company outside the U.S.
- Companies planning to open a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate
- Managers and executives who have worked for the company for at least 1 year in the last 3 years
- Businesses in logistics, manufacturing, trade, technology, or professional services
- L-1A holders interested in the EB-1C green card path (no labor certification required)
What You Get
- Understand the L-1A (manager/executive) vs L-1B (specialized knowledge) distinction
- Establish the required U.S. entity (LLC, Corp) as the receiving company
- Create the office/warehouse operational plan for the U.S. presence
- Build the organizational chart and role documentation required by USCIS
- Prepare a New Office business plan (required if U.S. office has operated less than 1 year)
- Understand the 7-year maximum stay and extension process
- Explore the direct EB-1C permanent residency pathway for L-1A holders
Our Process
1
Eligibility Assessment
We review your company structure, your role, and your employment history to confirm L-1 eligibility. Key check: Have you worked continuously for the company abroad for at least 1 year within the last 3 years? Is your role managerial/executive (L-1A) or specialized knowledge (L-1B)?
2
U.S. Entity Formation
A U.S. receiving company must exist for the L-1 petition. We guide you through forming an LLC or Corporation in Texas (or your preferred state), including the parent-subsidiary or affiliate relationship structure USCIS requires.
3
New Office Business Plan
If your U.S. office is new (under 1 year old), USCIS requires a detailed business plan showing the scope of operations, staffing plan, and real estate commitment. BizHouston prepares this plan to attorney specifications.
4
Operational Setup
We research and identify office space or warehouse locations in Houston, prepare operational checklists, and help you set up initial U.S. operations — giving the business plan substance and credibility.
5
Individual vs Blanket Petition
We help determine whether you file an Individual L-1 petition (single employee) or a Blanket petition (for companies with multiple transfers). Standard processing: 2–5 months. Premium Processing: 15 business days.
6
EB-1C Green Card Planning
L-1A holders have a direct path to permanent residency via EB-1C (Multinational Manager/Executive) — no PERM labor certification needed. We help you plan the timeline: typically after 1 year in L-1A status, you can begin the green card process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for managers and executives — those who supervise other employees, manage an organization, or make key decisions. Maximum stay: 7 years. L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge — those with advanced expertise in the company's products, services, or procedures. Maximum stay: 5 years. The key practical difference: L-1A leads to the EB-1C green card path (no labor certification); L-1B requires EB-2/EB-3 with PERM labor certification.
What is the 1-year employment requirement?
You must have been continuously employed by the same company (or a related entity) in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role for at least 1 year within the 3 years immediately before the L-1 petition is filed. This employment must have been outside the United States.
What if we don't have a U.S. office yet?
You can still apply! This is called a 'New Office' L-1 petition. You need to show USCIS that you have real plans to open a U.S. office — this requires a detailed business plan, a signed lease or letter of intent for U.S. premises, an organizational chart, and proof of the company relationship. Initial approval is for 1 year, after which you must prove the U.S. office is operational.
Can the L-1 lead to permanent residency?
Yes, especially for L-1A holders. After establishing yourself in an L-1A managerial/executive role, you can file for an EB-1C green card — which does not require PERM labor certification and is significantly faster than most employment-based green card routes. L-1B holders must go through EB-2 or EB-3, which requires PERM.
Can my family come with me on L-1?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive L-2 dependent visas. L-2 spouses are authorized to work in the U.S. — they do not need a separate EAD. Children can attend school.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. BizHouston / Orsa Consulting LLC is not a law firm unless otherwise specifically stated. For official and current information, users should verify details through official sources such as USCIS, the U.S. Department of State, IRS, state agencies, and other relevant government authorities. For legal advice, users should consult a licensed immigration attorney or qualified legal professional.
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