Non-Immigrant Visas
Intra-Company Transferees
Section 101(a)(15)(L) of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes nonimmigrant status for certain employees of international firms or institutions who are transferred to a branch or home office of such firms in the United States. To be eligible for a L-1 visa as an intra-company transferee, you must be in a managerial or executive position or must have specialized knowledge required for the position in the United States. Further, you must have been employed by the same firm (or an affiliate or subsidiary thereof) for at least one year immediately preceding your application for such a visa. The spouse and minor children of an applicant classified as an intra-company transferee are also accorded the same status if accompanying or following to join the applicant.
To acquire an L-1 visa, your employer must file a petition on Form I-129B (Petition to Classify Nonimmigrant as a Temporary Service or Trainee) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) office having jurisdiction over the area of the United States in which the services will be performed. The petition must be executed in duplicate and must include a statement from your employer describing your position at the firm and the nature of the specialized knowledge, which necessitates your services in the United States.
If DHS approves the petition, you will be sent a Notice of Action (Form I-797). Once you have your Form I-797, you may apply for your visa at the Embassy.
According to U.S. regulations, all applicants must apply for their visas in person, by appointment.
To apply for a L-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, please click here, for a list of required application forms and supporting documents.