About The L-1A U.S. Visa Program

The L-1A visa is a temporary residence visa for the U.S. designed for executives or managers of a foreign company to come to the U.S. to manage a subsidiary. It is an ideal option for those looking to expand or operate their business activities in the U.S.

  • Family Members: The visa also allows the spouse and children under 21 years old of the primary applicant to accompany them to the U.S.
  • Transition to Green Card: After obtaining the L-1A visa, if certain conditions are met, the investor and their family can apply for a permanent green card through the EB-1C visa. The EB-1C visa offers the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship, helping you and your family become U.S. citizens.

The initial L-1A visa is granted for 1 year and can be renewed up to 3 times, each for 2 years. After 7 years, if you do not apply for the EB-1C green card, you will need to return to Vietnam.

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Time to Residency

7 years

Minimum Investment

Depending on the investment company

Type of Investment

Invest to obtain a high-level business visa

Visa-free Countries

Freedom of movement between Vietnam and the U.S.

Benefits of the L-1A U.S. Visa

  • The entire family has the right to live, study, and work in the U.S. for the duration of the L-1A visa's validity.
  • Children under 21 will have access to free education in public schools, equivalent to the benefits of U.S. citizens.

Advantages of Holding an L-1A U.S. Visa

  • The L-1A visa application can be processed quickly, typically within 15 days to 3 months, depending on the processing situation.
  • After arriving in the U.S. with an L-1A visa, you have the opportunity to apply for a permanent green card through the EB-1C category, and potentially apply for U.S. citizenship.
  • Allows you to own and manage your own business in the U.S., with high profit potential and opportunities for business growth.
 
 
 

Conditions for Obtaining a U.S. L-1A Visa

For the Company:

  • The parent company must be large enough and have sufficient financial resources to invest in the U.S
  • The subsidiary must have an official office and a viable business plan.
  • The U.S. company must be a subsidiary or a co-owned entity of the parent company in Vietnam.
  • The U.S. company must be of a size that requires high-level management from the parent company in Vietnam.

For the Investor:

  • Must be at least 18 years old (although there is no specific upper age limit, the applicant needs to be of an appropriate age to manage the business in the U.S. until achieving permanent residency).
  • Must hold a senior management position at the parent company in Vietnam.
  • Must have the capability and experience to assume a senior management role and operate the subsidiary in the U.S.
  • Must meet security and health background requirements.

The Process of Obtaining a U.S. L-1A Visa

  • Step 1: Evaluate and prepare the necessary documents for the L-1A visa.
  • Step 2: Choose a suitable business and conduct due diligence in the U.S. to ensure it meets the requirements.
  • Step 3: Establish a subsidiary or branch in the U.S.
  • Step 4: The subsidiary proceeds with acquiring the due-diligenced business.
  • Step 5: Develop a detailed business plan for the subsidiary in the U.S.
  • Step 6: Prepare and submit the complete application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
  • Step 7: Attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to complete the L-1A visa issuance process.

Documents Required for U.S. L-1A Visa Application

Personal Documents:

  • Identity Card/ID Card: For the applicant and spouse, as well as unmarried children under 21 years old.
  • Birth Certificates: For the applicant and spouse, as well as unmarried children under 21 years old.
  • Passport: For the applicant and spouse, as well as unmarried children under 21 years old.
  • Marriage Certificate: If previously divorced, a divorce decree is required.
  • Employment Letter: From the U.S. company confirming that the applicant will work for this company in the U.S.

Company Documents:

  • Business Registration License: For the company in Vietnam.
  • Tax Documents: For the last 3 years.
  • Financial Reports: For the last 3 years.
  • Organizational Chart: For the company in Vietnam.
  • Payroll Records: For the last 3 years.
  • Appointment Letter: For the applicant at the parent company.
  • Employment Contract: For the applicant at the parent company.

(Note: The typical processing time is about 6-8 months. You may pay an additional fee to expedite the processing time.)

The L-1A Visa is a U.S. immigration program that does not require proof of personal financial capability. It is designed for senior managers or executives who wish to transfer to the United States to manage or oversee a subsidiary company. 

If you have any questions about the L-1A visa program or need further information, please contact Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai or leave your details for consultation. With years of experience in global immigration and investment residency, Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai provides professional guidance and personalized support to help clients select the most suitable residency-by-investment program.

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Frequently asked questions about the U.S. L-1A visa

What are the business requirements to sponsor an L-1A Visa for an executive or manager?

The Vietnamese company and the U.S. entity must have a qualifying relationship — such as a parent company, branch, representative office, or subsidiary. The Vietnamese business must have been operating for at least 12 months with clear revenue, staffing, and management structure. The U.S. company must present a viable business plan and demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to sustain the executive or managerial position being transferred.

Can the L-1A visa lead to a U.S. Green card?

Yes. After successfully managing the U.S. operations for a certain period (typically 1–2 years), L-1A visa holders may transition to the EB-1C category — a Green Card for multinational executives or managers. The advantage of EB-1C is that it does not require proving investment capital like EB-5, but it does require evidence of genuine and effective business operations.

What are the common risks that could cause an L-1A petition to be denied or not renewed?

Applications are often denied if the U.S. business is underperforming, lacks sufficient staff, or if the transferee’s role is not truly managerial or executive but more technical or supervisory. USCIS closely examines the organizational structure, financial flow, and leadership responsibilities. Therefore, maintaining active business operations and transparent financial records is crucial to ensure approval and renewal success.

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