L1A Visa for US Expansion: Guide for Foreign Companies
Hassan bro it’s like 2:15 PM in Lahore right now on January 22, 2026 and I bet you’re sitting there with your laptop open thinking about how your company can finally crack into the U.S. market without getting stuck in endless visa queues. Whether you’re running things out of Karachi, Lahore or maybe a setup in Dubai Abu-Dhabi the L1A Visa keeps popping up as the go-to move for sending your own managers and executives over to build or run the U.S. side.
This is straight talk for company owners partners or HR people in Pakistan and the UAE who want to use L1A to expand stateside. I’ll lay out what it actually takes who qualifies how long you wait and why so many businesses pick this route then aim for a green card on L1A later.
Why Companies from Pakistan & UAE Love L1A for U.S. Growth
Bringing in foreign talent to the U.S. is tough these days but the L1A makes it easier because it’s built exactly for multinational companies moving their own people.
No lottery no cap just show your company is real your U.S. branch is connected and the person you’re sending is a legit manager or executive. Plus it has dual intent baked in so nobody has to pretend they’re only staying short-term you can plan for permanent stay from day one.
Pakistani companies use it a lot when they open sales offices tech support centers or manufacturing links in places like Texas, Florida or California. Gulf-based firms in Dubai especially do the same sending senior people to manage U.S. subsidiaries in trading logistics real estate or tech.
What You Really Need to Qualify for L1A
Let’s get real about L1A visa requirements and L1A requirements because this is where most companies trip.
Your business setup has to have a qualifying relationship the U.S. company must be a parent subsidiary branch affiliate or under common control with the foreign one where the person worked. Both sides need to be actively doing business employing people making revenue not just empty shells.
If the U.S. office is brand new you can still qualify but you better have solid proof office lease signed bank account funded business plan with revenue projections hiring timeline.
For the person going over they need one full continuous year working full-time for the foreign company in the last three years before filing. That year has to be managerial or executive not just any supervisory job.
Managerial usually means you’re controlling other professionals managing a key function department budgeting hiring firing real power.
Executive is higher you’re setting policies directing the organization or big part of it supervising other managers making strategic calls.
Your title doesn’t matter much USCIS wants the actual duties org chart proof of authority.
L1A vs L1B – Don’t Pick the Wrong One
Everyone asks L1A vs L1B or L1A vs L1B Visa when planning who to send.
L1A is only for managers and executives you get up to seven years total stay start with three then extend in two year blocks. It’s perfect for the person who’s going to run the U.S. team set strategy hire locals make big decisions. Best part it connects directly to EB1C green card later no labor certification needed.
L1B is for people with specialized knowledge unique company processes tech or know how that’s hard to find outside your firm. Max five years green card usually goes through EB2 or EB3 which means PERM and possible long waits.
If the role is leadership management direction go L1A. If they’re the only one who knows your secret sauce recipe software code or manufacturing trick it’s L1B. Wrong choice means denial so be honest about the job.
How the Process Actually Works for a Foreign Company
Your U.S. entity files Form I-129 with USCIS plus the L supplement.
You need to attach company relationship proof, incorporation documents, stock certificates, ownership charts, affidavits who controls what, person’s abroad proof, pay slips, contracts, org charts letters explaining one year managerial duties, U.S. job offer detailed description, salary who they manage, U.S. org chart, new office business plan, lease, bank statements, funding proof. Base filing fee around 1385 dollars, premium processing extra 2805 dollars gets USCIS to decide in 15 business days.
L1A processing time without premium usually 3 to 6 months in early 2026 sometimes quicker premium makes it fly.
Once approved if the person is abroad they do DS-160 pay visa fee about 205 dollars book interview at consulate Islamabad, Karachi, Abu-Dhabi Dubai.
Bring passport I-797 approval letter company evidence originals.
Interview mostly about role company link why U.S. why now. L1 is dual intent so immigrant plans aren’t a problem.
Visa stamped usually three years first time.
What Happens After They Arrive & Extensions
At U.S. airport CBP gives I-94 stamped initial stay three years new office sometimes one year.
Before it ends file extension two year chunks up to seven years total.
L1A extension processing time same as initial premium keeps it fast.
Spouse and kids under 21 come on L2 spouse can apply for work permit after entry which helps family settle.
The Green Card Bridge Everyone Wants
The real draw for many companies is L1A to green card or L1A visa to green card.
After one or two years on L1A switch to EB1C multinational executive green card.
L1A visa and green card L1A and green card overlap is almost perfect company relationship managerial role abroad and U.S. company running at least one year. File I-140 employer sponsored no PERM labor test big time saver. Then I-485 adjustment if in U.S. or consular process abroad.
For Pakistanis and UAE residents EB1 usually current or very short wait unlike India born folks so green card often lands in 12 to 24 months after I-140.
Green card on L1A isn’t handed out automatically but the path is one of the cleanest for employment based permanent residency.
Real Tips for Companies in Pakistan & UAE
New office cases need killer business plan or USCIS hits you with evidence requests.
Evidence wins everything weak job descriptions fuzzy company control = denial.
UAE consulates Abu-Dhabi Dubai tend to move business visas faster Pakistan Islamabad, Karachi interview waits can drag book early.
Hire a good U.S. immigration lawyer from the start they review org charts job letters company documents catch problems before filing.
Fees times everything can shift check USCIS and travel.state.gov every month.
Bottom Line Should Your Company Go for L1A
If you have international operations and need to send a real manager or executives to launch or grow the U.S. side L1A is tough to beat quick entry family perks clear permanent residency path.
Faster than most work visas spouse can work green card option strong.
For businesses in Lahore, Karachi, Dubai Abu-Dhabi with U.S. plans start checking your company relationship and the person’s duties now talk to a lawyer who does multinational transfers daily.
Stuck on something specific new office evidence EB1C timing company size industry U.S. location share a bit more I can point you better.
You got this keep moving forward U.S. expansion is big but the L1A makes it realistic.
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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