Step-by-Step L-1A Visa Application Process
Affan bro, it’s like 2 o’ clock in Lahore on this Wednesday, January 22, 2026 and you’re probably knee-deep in this visa stuff, trying to sort out if the L1A Visa is something you can actually pull off. If you’re working as a manager or executive in a company that has international branches especially if you’re in Pakistan or spending time in the UAE this comes up all the time. People like it because theres no lottery no cap just prove your company setup and your role and you’re in the game.
Im going to walk you through the whole L1A visa application one real step at a time the way it actually plays out in early 2026. No fluff just what happens from day one to landing in the US plus some heads-up for guys in our region where consulates and company structures can throw curveballs.
First Thing Make Sure You and Your Company Actually Qualify
Before anyone touches a form, double-check the basics for L1A requirements. Your company has to have a real link the US office needs to be a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of where you’re currently working. Both sides have to be running actual business, not just shells.
You need to have worked full-time for that foreign company at least one straight year in the three years right before they file the petition. That year has to be in a legit managerial or executive spot.
Managerial usually means you’re directing people, supervising other supervisors, handling budgets, hiring firing stuff like that. Executive is higher level: setting big policies, running departments or the whole show, managing managers.
New office in the US? Rules bend a little the US side can be fresh but you gotta show proof it’ll support a proper executive job soon like business plans, money in the bank, lease signed, etc.
In Pakistan, this often works for Karachi or Lahore-based companies opening US spots or UAE-based firms in Dubai Abu Dhabi sending people stateside. Lots of Gulf-headquartered outfits do this with Pakistani talent.
Step One Collect Every Scrap of Proof the Company Needs
This part decides if it flies or flops. Your employer has to put together a fat packet of evidence.
Show the company connection: incorporation papers, stock ownership charts, affidavits explaining who owns what control flow.
Your background abroad: pay slips, promotion letters, org charts with your name in the right box, letters from bosses describing exactly what you do day to day.
US-side job offer letter spelling out your role, how it’s executive-level, salary range, who reports to you, org chart for the US team.
New office? Throw in business plan, revenue forecasts, bank statements, lease copy, and proof of investment.
Big companies sometimes have blanket approvals, which cuts paperwork, but most cases from Pakistan or UAE are straight individual petitions.
Step Two Your Employer Files I-129 with USCIS
The US company sends Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker plus the L supplement and all that evidence to USCIS.
Fees right now around 1385 dollars base check USCIS for exact because they tweak it. Want it fast? Add premium processing about 2805 dollars gets decision in 15 business days usually.
They file at the right service center California or Vermont mostly for L cases in 2026.
Without premium processing, L1A processing time runs 3 to 6 months sometimes quicker lately but can stretch to 8 months if busy. L1A extension processing time about the same if you’re renewing later.
Approved? You get I-797 notice saying petition good.
Step Three Head to the Consulate for the Visa Stamp If Youre Outside US
Most people in Pakistan and UAE do consular processing.
Pay the visa fee around 205 dollars, or whatever current.
Fill DS-160 online, upload your photo pay the MRV fee, and then book interview slot at the embassy or consulate.
Pakistan Islamabad or Karachi consulates. Appointment wait can be 1 to 3 months sometimes more depending on backlog.
UAE Abu Dhabi or Dubai consulates usually move a bit faster for these business transfers.
Bring everything: passport, DS-160 confirmation page, I-797 approval notice, company letters, originals photos, proof of ties back home even though L1 lets you have dual intent so they wont ding you for planning to stay.
Interview questions mostly about your job, company link, why the US transfer, and your background. Be straight answer clearly.
Approved? Visa gets stamped usually matches the petition length up to 3 years first time.
Step Four Fly In and Get Your I-94 at the Border
Visa in passport book the ticket. At US airport, CBP officer checks everything, asks a few questions, and stamps your I-94, which says how long youre allowed to stay.
Initial L1A often 3 years if new office sometimes only 1 year to prove the business is real.
Your spouse and kids under 21 can come on L2. Spouse applies for work permit EAD after arrival which lets them job hunt right away big help for families.
Step Five Think Extensions and Then Green Card Down the Road
Before time runs out file extension 2 year chunks max total 7 years on L1A.
L1A extension processing time similar to first one premium makes it quick.
Big reason people love this visa is L1A to green card path. After a year or two on L1A go for EB1C green card.
EB1C basically same rules as L1A company relationship your executive role abroad and now US plus US company running at least a year.
No PERM, no labor test, huge time saver. File I-140 then adjust status I-485, if youre in US already.
Pakistanis usually see no big backlog in EB1, so it moves way faster than EB2 or EB3. L1A visa to green card L1A and green card green card on L1A L1A visa and green card all point to this smooth switch.
Quick Note on L1A vs L1B During All This
Folks always check L1A vs L1B L1A vs L1B visa while applying.
If you’re managing people setting direction go L1A 7 years EB1C path clean.
If you’re the expert on company specific tech or processes its L1B 5 years usually EB2/EB3 with PERM and possible waits.
Pick wrong and it gets denied so match your real duties.
Things That Trip People Up from Pakistan or UAE
Weak evidence on duties or company link kills it fast.
New offices need killer business plan or USCIS sends RFEs.
Consulate slots in Pakistan can lag book early.
UAE sometimes quicker but admin processing pops up occasionally.
Get a good lawyer early they catch mistakes before USCIS does.
Fees times everything changes check USCIS and travel.state.gov fresh.
Bottom Line on the Full L1A Process
It’s not rocket science if your company qualifies and you’re really in an executive spot. Employer files petition, USCIS approves, consulate stamps visa, you enter, extend as needed, and then chase L1A visa to green card.
For someone in Lahore working multinational, or in Dubai with Gulf company, it’s a strong way to get to the US, set up life, and aim permanent.
Takes good documents, timing, and patience but when done right, approvals are solid.
If you’re at the evidence-gathering stage or talking to your boss about sponsoring, share more about your title, company setup, US plans, I can give tighter advice.
Keep at it man, let me know how it goes.
Disclaimer:
Some content on this website may be created or assisted using AI technology and is provided for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, tax, accounting, financial, or immigration advice. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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