Many people reach the USA with an L1 visa. Most of them look for a green card after working for a few years. An L1 visa comes with a nonimmigrant status. A green card converts it into an immigrant status. When you submit your application, USCIS will assess your situation carefully. If you submit all relevant details and meet all the guidelines, you will become a green card holder. This article discusses your journey from L1 status to a green card.
Two L1 visa categories
You can come across two types of L1 visas. These two categories are L1A and L1B. Business executives are often recruited under the category of L1A visa. The same thing applies to business managers. When it comes to an L1B visa, your expertise in a particular niche is considered. Based on the job requirements, many companies offer these types of visas to people from other countries. The L1 visas are used to transfer employees to the USA branch from another country.
When to submit a green card application?
The tenure of L1 visas is 7 years. You can look for a transition from an L1 visa to green card after completing this period. This period applies to the L1A visa holders. The allowed period for the L1 B visa is 5 years.
Green card options available
You have plenty of options to apply for a green card. The most famous choice that most people use is the EB1 First Preference. Your special expertise in a specific area makes you eligible to apply through this channel. Do you have an advanced degree and excel in any particular category? Then, you can apply for the EB1 Second Preference. Other unskilled workers and professionals can opt for the EB1 Third Preference category to become green card holders.
Understating the green card process
Are you an L1A visa holder? This visa does not make your journey tougher. You can expect a smooth transition from an L1 visa to green card under normal circumstances. The entire process starts with filing an I-140 Petition. The employer should perform this task. There are clear USCIS guidelines available for all stakeholders. If both of them meet these requirements, the green card process becomes a lot easier. What about people with an L1B visa? They need to clear a process called PERM. This labour certification process is a must for all candidates who apply through the L1 B visa category.
The prominent role of employers
Your employer has to take the initiative for the green card process. That is why L1 visas are known as employer-oriented. In other words, the application process should be sponsored by the employer. Employees cannot submit an application by themselves for a green card in such a situation.
There are many documentation processes involved with green card visa processing. You must work with your employer to make the submission fast and accurate. Several companies rely on experienced immigration lawyers to make this process hassle-free. These professionals have the experience and knowledge in handling green card procedures. They will perform all the tasks on your behalf to make your journey result-oriented.
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