USA L1A Visa Information (green card, applying, L1, requirements)

[AikenHorses]

Hi!

I had some questions regarding the L1A Visa for immigration into the USA.

I am a Canadian citizen, and my husband will also be a Canadian citizen by the time we apply. We own a business here in Ontario that will continue to function when we leave, and we intend to open a new branch of our company in the USA.

We're familiar with the basic requirements and we will meet them. However, I was hoping for some insight from those who have experience applying for the L1A Visa as a small business entrepreneur (especially as a Canadian) for the purposes of opening a new US location of their business.

What sort of information will officers look for with respect to our business operating here in Canada? Number of employees, duties, and time employed for each of them? Company financials? Is there a subjective evaluation of how our business will be able to function in our absence, or is it pretty black and white?

Thanks! Just hoping for as few surprises as possible. :-)

[T-310]

The E2 visa is a better option.

[AikenHorses]

But, supposing we have done our research and decided that it wasn't necessarily better for us personally... Can anyone experienced in this matter advise?

I am open to why you feel an E2 may be a better fit.

Thanks!

[T-310]

Originally Posted by AikenHorses

But, supposing we have done our research and decided that it wasn't necessarily better for us personally... Can anyone experienced in this matter advise?

I am open to why you feel an E2 may be a better fit.

Thanks!

An E2 from Canada can be revalidated continuously as long as you maintain your business and investment despite the visa expiring and provides a better way to adjust status to a US green card.

An L1A is valid for 3 years with a renewal for 2 more years and then you have to leave.

Plus a L1 to establish a new business may be limited to 1 year.