Intra-Company Transfer Visa: How it Works

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Overview of Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Intra-company transfer visa is a type of visa that allows companies to transfer their employees from one country to another for a specific period. The employee being transferred must have been working for the company for a minimum of 12 months and possesses specialized knowledge or skills that are needed in the branch of the company located in the host country. The intra-company transfer visa is a non-immigrant visa category. Want to learn more about the subject? Visit this informative website, find more details and supplementary information to further enrich your learning experience.

Application Process for Intra-Company Transfer Visa

The application process for the intra-company transfer visa involves two stages: the application at the USCIS and the application at the US embassy in the applicant’s home country.

Firstly, the employer must file Form I-129 with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The form will require comprehensive information about the employer, foreign worker, and job description. USCIS will review the application to ensure it meets the requirements and approve it.

Upon approval, the foreign worker must apply to the US embassy in their home country for a visa. The employee will have to provide documents such as their passport, employment contract, and evidence of their qualifications and experience. They may also be requested for an interview, which can be conducted at the US embassy.

Eligibility Criteria for Intra-Company Transfer Visa

To be eligible for the intra-company transfer visa, the applicant must meet some requirements:

  • The employee must have been working for the company for at least 12 months in the last three years or be a leader or manager of the company.
  • The employee must be entering the United States to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity for the same employer, affiliate, or subsidiary company.
  • The employee must be working at the company’s branch or affiliate company abroad for six continuous months before the transfer.
  • The employer must demonstrate that there is no qualified US worker available and willing to take the position and that the employee’s skills will contribute to the US company’s competitiveness.

    • Benefits of Intra-Company Transfer Visa

    The intra-company transfer visa comes with numerous benefits for both the employer and the employee. Some benefits include:

  • For the employer, it allows them to transfer essential employees to the US branch to address critical business needs. With the employee’s knowledge and experience, the operations of the company in the US can be streamlined and improved.
  • For the employee, it provides an opportunity to work in a new environment, gain new skills, and experience a new culture.
  • The employee can bring their spouse and unmarried children below 21 to the US on a dependent visa (L-2 visa). The spouse of the employee is also eligible to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work in the US.

    • Duration of the Intra-Company Transfer Visa

    The intra-company transfer visa duration varies based on the employee’s position and the company’s requirements. However, generally, it lasts for three years for specialized knowledge and managerial positions. For executive positions, the visa duration can be up to seven years.

    After the expiration of the visa, the employer may apply for an extension as long as the employee continues to work in the same capacity for the same employer and the employer meets the USCIS requirements.

    Conclusion

    In summary, the intra-company transfer visa provides a viable option for companies to transfer their employees to the US for a specified period. Employers can leverage this visa category to enhance their company’s growth and competitiveness globally, while employees have an opportunity to improve their skills and broaden their experiences. It is essential to understand the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of the intra-company transfer visa before initiating the process. Should you desire to know more about the topic, Explore further, to supplement your reading. Uncover worthwhile perspectives and fresh angles to enhance your comprehension.

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    Intra-Company Transfer Visa: How it Works 1