The L-1 classification also permits an alien to visit and
work in the United States temporarily, performing services which require
specialized knowledge. The alien is required to work for the same
corporation or firm, or the branch, subsidiary or affiliate of the employer
which employed him or her abroad. It is required that the petitioning alien
has worked for one continuous year within the three-year period immediately
preceding the filing of the petition, in an executive, managerial, or
specialized knowledge capacity. The Immigration & Naturalization Service
defines specialized knowledge as special knowledge of the employer's product
or its application in international markets or an advanced level of
knowledge of the employer's processes and procedures. (L-1B Visa)
A notice to employers: In
addition to individual L-Classification, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service has created an L-1 Blanket Petition Process which simplifies the
process for employers wishing to adjudicate numerous L-1 Classification
applications over a period of time. The Blanket Process accommodates the
needs of large businesses that desired to transfer key personnel to the
United States. The current process involves two separate steps and relies
heavily on coordination between the Department of State and the Immigration
and Naturalization Service. Firstly, the employer must proves itself to be
an applicable blanket petitioner, fulfilling the stringent requirements set
forth by the INS.
Secondly, the petitioner must submit its individual L-1 applications for
specific employees. This process is generally intended for businesses with
over 1,000 United States employees or businesses with subsidiaries and
affiliates with combined annual sales of $25 million or more.
E
Non-Immigrant Visas for Import/Export Trade
The E1 Treaty Trader visa is for staff who will direct and develop import /
export trade between the US and the treaty country. It is available for an
indefinite period (5 year increments)
.
The E2 Treaty Investor visa is for staff who will direct and develop
investments made in the US by a treaty country national/company. Indefinite
(5 year increments).
O
Non-Immigrant Visa for Extraordinary Abilities
The O Non-Immigrant Visa is available to those who evidence "Extraordinary
Ability". Extraordinary ability is defined by the
INS
as having national or international recognition and press coverage in a
'specialty occupation' pertaining to science, arts, business or education.
