If you work for a multinational corporation, you will be happy to know about the L1 visa serves as your gateway to working in the United States. The L-1 is an employment visa designated for intra-company transferees. Whether you are an executive, manager, or employee with specialized knowledge, you are able to transfer to a U.S. branch of the company you worked for abroad. One of the most common questions applicants will ask is, "what's the minimum salary for the L1 visa?" So, without the technical jargon, let's break this down and explain in a conversational, straightforward way.
What Is the Minimum Salary for L1 Visa Holders?
Interestingly, US immigration consultants, as per the US government, do not base L1 Visa holders' wages on a minimum wage requirement. The L1 Visa classification is based on your job title, title level, as well as the organizational structure of the company you're working for, while the H1B Visa has a "prevailing wage" requirement. As an example, an executive or manager on an L1A Visa may earn between $90,000 to $150,000, depending on the location of their role. A specialized knowledge worker on an L1B Visa may receive a salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000 annually.
How Salary Impacts L1 Visa Approval?
While the L1 Visa requirements do not define how much an employer must pay their foreign workers, salary still matters, why? It indicate, if your employment transfer is genuine, because if your salary is very low, it raises questions and suspicions about the legitimacy of your transfer. The legitimacy of your role in the company and the employer's financial ability to pay for a foreign assignment. If your salary is too low for a management or specialized position, USCIS may not find that the position is legitimate which could lead to delays or denial of the visa.
Also read: U.S. Clarifies H-1B Visa Rules, Easing Tech Worries but Raising New Doubts
What’s Included in L1 Visa Compensation Packages
Your full compensation package includes more than just your base salary. A variety of benefits are provided by many employers to support the L1 visa application process, including: relocation or housing allowance, travel reimbursement, health insurance, and tax equality policies. These benefits provide evidence of the organization's appreciation for you as a vital part and contributor to its operations in the United States.
How Long Does the L1 Visa Process Take?
Choosing normal versus premium processing will affect how is going to be your L1 visa processing time.
- Normal processing time: 3-5 months
- Premium processing: 15 calendar days (at an additional cost).
Additionally, think about what would be the L1 visa cost and fees, that you need to pay for. Here is a quick overview: $460, which is the filing fee for Form I-129. $500 for prevention and detection of fraud. Premium processing (optional) is $2,805, lawyers or consultants are also charged fees.
Final Thoughts
The key to get an L1 Visa is to match the value of your position to US wage standards and file a strong petition demonstrating that you are fundamental to the growth of your company in the US. A reliable US immigration consultants can guide you through the entire process, including the L1 visa requirements, processing time, and others.
FAQs about L1 Visa
1. What is an L1 Visa?
The L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or specialized employees from a foreign branch to their U.S. office.
2. Who is eligible for an L1 Visa?
Employees who have worked for a qualifying company outside the U.S. for at least one continuous year within the last three years are eligible.
3. How long can I stay in the U.S. on an L1 Visa?
L1A visa holders can stay for up to 7 years, while L1B visa holders can stay for up to 5 years, including extensions.
4. Can L1 Visa holders apply for a Green Card?
Yes, L1A visa holders, especially executives and managers, can transition to a Green Card through the EB-1C category without labor certification.
