U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has made some changes to the way they issue receipts for L-1 intracompany transferees. If you are filing a Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, together with Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, you will now receive two notices: the receipt notice and the approval notice (if approved). You will no longer receive a stamped and signed Form I-129S in conjunction with Form I-129 approval. Instead, you will receive a separate approval notice for Form I-129S, which will serve as the endorsement.
This change is being made to update and streamline the processing of Form I-129S and make it more efficient for everyone involved. The separate approval notice will serve as evidence that a USCIS officer has determined the beneficiary is eligible for L-1 status based on an approved blanket L petition. It will also be provided to the beneficiary to be included with their visa and/or admission papers.
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What Does The Steamlined L-1 Intra-company Visa Mean For Canadian Transferees?
The streamlined L-1 intra-company visa means that Canadian transferees can now apply for L-1 status without having to file a separate petition with USCIS. This is a significant change, as it can significantly speed up the visa application process. They will still be eligible for L-1 status if they meet the requirements. However, they will now receive two separate notices instead of one. The approval notice will serve as evidence that they are eligible for L-1 status and should be included with their visa and/or admission papers.
Previously, Canadian transferees who wanted to apply for L-1 status had to file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. This process could take several months, and there was no guarantee that the petition would be approved. With the new streamlined process, Canadian transferees can now apply for L-1 status by submitting Form I-129S, Nonimmigrant Petition Based on Blanket L Petition, to their employer. The employer will then file this form with USCIS on the transferee's behalf.
If the Form I-129S is approved, the transferee will receive a separate approval notice that serves as evidence of their eligibility for L-1 status. This approval notice can then be used to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The streamlined L-1 intra-company visa is a welcome change for Canadian expats to the United States. It makes the L-1 visa application process much faster and easier, and it gives Canadian businesses a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Benefits Of Streamlined L-1 Visa For Canadians
Here are some of the benefits of the streamlined L-1 intra-company visa for Canadians who want to become expats in the United States:
- Faster visa application process:
The streamlined process can significantly speed up the visa application process, which can save time and money for Canadian transferees and their employers. - Greater certainty of approval:
The streamlined process does not require a separate petition with USCIS, which means that there is a greater certainty of approval for Canadian transferees. - Easier visa application process:
The streamlined process is much easier to understand and navigate than the previous process, which can make it easier for Canadian transferees to apply for a visa. - Increased competitiveness for Canadian businesses:
The streamlined process can give Canadian businesses a competitive advantage in the global marketplace by making it easier for them to attract and retain talented employees from Canada.
If you are a Canadian who is interested in applying for an L-1 visa to work in the United States, you should contact an experienced Canadian immigration lawyer to learn more about the streamlined process.
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Do You Need Assistance Applying for an L-1 Intra-Company Transfer to Work In the U.S.?
The L-1 Intra-Company Transfer visa is a complex and ever-changing immigration program. If you are interested in applying for an L-1 visa, Ackah Business Immigration Law can help you determine if you are eligible for the program and assist you with the application process. Ackah Law will help you gather the required documentation, complete the application form and guide you on the visa interview.
Ackah Business Immigration Law has offices in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver to help clients move to new opportunities in Canada and the United States. To get in touch with Ackah Law, contact us at (403) 452-9515 or send an email directly to contact@ackahlaw.com.
