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How Foreign Companies Can Bring Key Employees to the US

1.4 minute read
"It is not common knowledge that foreign real estate companies such as the Hong Kong and London-based Swire Properties, Toronto-based Oxford Properties, and South Korea-based Hanjin Group are responsible for completing some of the largest real estate projects in recent history."
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Nov 23, 2021
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It is not common knowledge that foreign real estate companies such as the Hong Kong and London-based Swire Properties, Toronto-based Oxford Properties, and South Korea-based Hanjin Group are responsible for completing some of the largest real estate projects in recent history. It is very important for companies like these to find individuals who are both familiar with the developer’s proprietary business and able to hold long-term relationships with builders, contractors, and other key developers. Since real estate projects usually involve multimillion-dollar deals, finding the right person is very crucial and imperative. 

One way foreign-based real estate developers do this is by bringing their high-level executives and managers to the US to ensure the successful execution of these projects. These high-level executives guide the operations at the beginning of the project in the US and ensure that the quality standards and timelines for different goals are met. These workers are responsible for guiding the operations in a way consistent with the company’s reputation. 

How Can Foreign Companies Bring Their Key Employees to the US?

Foreign companies with a parent, branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or joint venture in the US can transfer their executive, manager, or employers with specialized knowledge to the US through the L-1 Nonimmigrant Visa. These employees and their families will be able to ultimately apply for US permanent residence, also known as a Green Card. The L-1 nonimmigrant visa is for intracompany transferees. There are 2 types of L-1 Visas:

  • L-1A Visa: for senior-level managerial or executive position employees
  • L-1B Visa: for employees with specialized knowledge

The foreign employee must have worked with the company for at least 1 year out of the last 3 years. The L-1 Visa is issued for 1 year. The L-1A Visa can be extended for a maximum of 7 years. The L-1B Visa can only be renewed for up to 5 years. The L-1 Visa holders can eventually apply for US permanent residence through the EB-1C Visa or any other traditional pathway to US permanent residence via sponsorship of a US employer or family member. 

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