New York L-1 Visa Lawyer

New York L-1 Visa Attorneys With 50 Years of Experience

For more than 50 years, Spar & Bernstein has represented multinational companies, executives, managers, and specialized employees in employment-based immigration matters throughout the United States. Our attorneys understand the unique legal and operational challenges associated with L-1 visa petitions, including documenting qualifying corporate relationships and preparing evidence that satisfies USCIS scrutiny.

L-1 petitions require far more than proving a job offer exists. USCIS closely examines whether the foreign and U.S. entities maintain a qualifying corporate relationship, whether the employee previously worked abroad in a qualifying role, and whether the U.S. position meets the standards for managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge employment. Our firm works closely with businesses and employees to prepare strategically organized petitions designed to strengthen approval prospects and minimize delays.

How we can help you

Spar & Bernstein provides comprehensive legal representation for companies and employees pursuing L-1 visa classification.

1. L-1 Eligibility & Corporate Relationship Assessment
   We begin by evaluating whether the foreign and U.S. entities satisfy the qualifying corporate relationship requirements, including parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch relationships. Our attorneys also assess whether the employee qualifies as an executive or manager under L-1A standards or as a specialized knowledge employee under L-1B criteria.
2. Strategic Case Planning & Documentation Review
   Our legal team develops a filing strategy tailored to the company’s operational structure, growth plans, and immigration goals. For new office petitions, we review business plans, financial projections, staffing expectations, and office setup documentation to ensure the case is properly prepared before filing.
3. Petition Preparation & Filing
   We prepare and file Form I-129 with USCIS, including a detailed legal support letter explaining the qualifying corporate relationship and the employee’s role. This includes careful documentation of executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge duties, corporate ownership records, and supporting exhibits.
4. New Office Filings (If Applicable)
   For companies opening a new office in the United States, we assist with the additional requirements involved in these petitions, including securing physical office space, preparing compliant business plans, and demonstrating the company’s ability to support the transferred role within the required timeframe.
5. Case Monitoring, RFEs & Government Responses
   Our representation continues after filing. We monitor case progress, provide updates, and prepare detailed responses to Requests for Evidence if USCIS seeks additional information or clarification.
6. Consular Processing, Extensions & Long-Term Strategy
   After approval, we assist with consular processing and interview preparation where required. We also advise clients on L-1 extensions, amendments, and long-term immigration planning, including transition strategies toward employment-based permanent residence where appropriate.

L-1 Visa Categories We Handle

L-1A: Managers and Executives

We represent multinational companies transferring executives and managers to U.S. offices under the L-1A category. These cases require detailed documentation of qualifying managerial or executive duties and the corporate relationship between the entities involved.

L-1B: Specialized Knowledge Employees

Our attorneys assist companies transferring employees with advanced or proprietary knowledge of company products, systems, services, or operational processes. L-1B petitions require careful documentation of both the employee’s expertise and the specialized nature of the role.

New Office L-1 Petitions

We represent foreign companies establishing new operations in the United States through the L-1 new office category. These cases involve additional scrutiny and require comprehensive business plans, proof of physical premises, and evidence that the company can support the transferred employee within one year.

L-1 Extensions

Our firm assists employers and employees with extending L-1 status beyond the initial approval period. Extension filings require evidence of continued qualifying operations and ongoing executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge duties.

L-2 Visas for Dependents

We also assist spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders with L-2 applications, extensions, and employment authorization guidance for eligible spouses.

L-1 Visa Process & What to Expect

The L-1 process typically begins with evaluating whether the foreign and U.S. entities maintain a qualifying corporate relationship and whether the employee’s position qualifies under L-1A or L-1B standards. Once eligibility is confirmed, the employer files Form I-129 with USCIS along with supporting corporate and employment documentation.

USCIS reviews the petition to determine whether the employee previously worked abroad in a qualifying role, whether the corporate relationship is properly documented, and whether the U.S. role satisfies executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge requirements. Processing times vary depending on the filing type and whether premium processing is requested.

In some cases, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence seeking clarification or additional documentation. After approval, the employee may either change status within the United States or complete visa processing at a U.S. consulate abroad before entering the country in L-1 status.

Throughout every stage of the process, Spar & Bernstein manages legal strategy, documentation preparation, employer coordination, and government communication to help businesses and employees navigate L-1 petitions effectively and efficiently.