Supporting Documentation Checklist for L-1A Applicants
L-1A Visa packet right now you know how overwhelming the document list can feel. One missing letter or weak org chart and USCIS hits you with an RFE or straight denial – I’ve seen it happen to solid execs from Pakistan and UAE companies just because they didn’t over-prepare.
This checklist is built for real people in your spot – multinational managers or executives transferring to a U.S. branch or new office. It covers everything USCIS actually wants for L-1A Visa requirements and L-1A requirements in early 2026, plus tips on how to make your evidence bulletproof. Whether you’re going for initial entry or later L-1A to green card through EB1C, strong documents here make both easier.
Let’s go category by category – what to collect, why it matters, and how to avoid common screw-ups.
1. Company Relationship Evidence – Prove the Link Is Real
USCIS needs to see the U.S. and foreign companies are truly connected – parent subsidiary branch affiliate or common ownership/control.
Must-have documents:
- Foreign company certificate of incorporation registration good standing (recent within 6 months).
- U.S. company articles of incorporation/organization EIN confirmation (if new office include formation documents).
- Full organizational charts for both companies showing control flow (who owns who board members key officers).
- Affidavits from company officers (CEO or legal) explaining exact relationship ownership structure voting rights board overlap – make it detailed not generic.
- If complex (holding companies intermediaries) include chain of ownership documents all the way up/down.
Tips:
Get apostille/legalization if foreign docs need it (Pakistan UAE consulates can help).
For branches include certificate of authority foreign qualification filed in U.S. state.
2. Your One-Year Abroad Experience Proof
You need one continuous full-time year with the qualifying foreign company in last three years – managerial/executive level.
Essential papers:
- Employment contract appointment letter promotion letters showing start date role title salary.
- Pay stubs salary slips bank statements showing deposits (cover full year preferably more).
- Tax returns or withholding certificates (Pakistan Form 16 UAE salary cert) proving employment.
- Performance reviews or annual appraisals highlighting your managerial duties.
- Letter from foreign HR or boss on company letterhead confirming continuous full-time employment exact dates (one year minimum) managerial/executive role during that period no long breaks unpaid leave counted against you.
Tips:
If any gaps (short vacation maternity) explain in cover letter with proof.
Make sure dates match across all documents – inconsistency triggers RFE.
3. Detailed Job Descriptions – Abroad and U.S.
This is where most denials happen – USCIS says duties not managerial/executive.
Required:
- Abroad role description letter from foreign boss/HR – detailed day-to-day what you manage who reports to you (names titles number of subordinates) budget authority hiring/firing decisions policies you set.
- U.S. role offer letter from U.S. company – mirror abroad level same scope no downgrade specifics on team size department function strategic decisions.
- Org charts abroad (your position highlighted subordinates) and U.S. (your planned position who reports to you).
Tips:
Use percentages if possible – “supervise team of 8 professionals 40 percent time on strategy 30 percent budgeting.”
Avoid vague words like “oversee” “coordinate” – say “approve budgets up to $X direct hiring of Y staff set quarterly goals.”
4. New Office Specific Evidence (If Applicable)
If US office new USCIS wants proof it’s real and will support exec role within one year.
Key items:
- Signed office lease or purchase agreement (coworking ok if dedicated space).
- Business plan – market analysis revenue projections 3-5 years hiring plan (locals + more transfers) financial statements.
- Proof of funding – bank statements parent company commitment letter wire transfers investment proof.
- Photos of premises if possible floor plan.
Tips:
Show realistic growth – how many employees in year one how revenue starts.
5. Personal & Supporting Documents
Standard but don’t skip
- Passport copy (valid at least 6 months beyond stay).
- Birth certificate marriage cert if dependents.
- Police clearance certificates (Pakistan character cert UAE good conduct).
- Photos passport style.
- Resume/CV showing career progression.
- Educational degrees/transcripts (if relevant to role).
For dependents (L-2)
Marriage cert kids birth certs passports.
6. Filing Forms & Fees
Main form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker + L Supplement. Cover letter from employer summarizing case.
Filing fee ~1385 dollars premium ~2805 dollars (15-day decision). DS-160 confirmation for consulate if abroad.
L-1A processing time regular 3-6 months premium 15 business days. L-1A extension processing time similar.
Bonus – Building Toward L-1A to Green Card
Keep copies of everything – strong L-1A evidence makes L-1A Visa to green card (EB1C) way smoother later. Same company relationship managerial role proof – just add U.S. company one-year operation.
L-1A Visa and green card L-1A and green card green card on L-1A path is clean no PERM if you do it right. L-1A vs L-1B Visa reminder – L-1A for managers/execs 7 years EB1C path. L-1B specialized 5 years usually EB-2/EB-3 PERM.
Quick Checklist Summary – Print This
Company relationship – certs charts affidavits ownership proof, One-year abroad – pay stubs contracts HR letter, Duties – detailed letters abroad & US org charts, New office – lease business plan funding proof, Personal – passport clearances photos resume, Forms – I-129 fees cover letter, Over-prepare – submit indexed tabbed organized. Lawyer review before filing catches 90 percent of issues.
If your packet half done what part scares you most – duties proof new office or company link? Tell me your role company setup (Pakistan UAE new U.S. office?) I can flag what to double-check.
Don’t panic – genuine executive transfers with good documents get approved all the time. You got this.
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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