L1A or L1B??

[ecethan14]

Hello everyone,

I just graduated from a one-year US Master program and was immediately hired by my previous firm who has an operation in the US.

The firm agreed to help me apply for the L1 visa (but they haven't decided which one is better). My case is a little bit confusing, please give me some suggestions.

I am going to work for a big4 firm. Before I came to the US, I was a Senior Associate at the firm. I was able to assign tasks to other CPAs (professionals) and associates and give annual performance evaluation to all the staff under my supervision. From some articles I have read, if someone works for an accounting firm and is able to make promotion related evaluations to CPAs and other staff, the person can be considered for L1A visa.

However, accordingly the firm's policy, since I don't have the US CPA certificate, the firm didn't give me an equivalent position as in my home country. I was entitled as an experienced associate, which is one grade lower than the senior associate. But the firm promised as long as I pass the CPA exam, they will promote me immediately.

Currently, I am filling my documents to apply for the L1 visa, some questions are related to what I did previously and what I am going to do in the future. Frankly, I don't think my firm will reduce my workload compared with my previous job, I will still do my old tasks, but without a senior associate title due to the exam. So how should I better present myself in my application package? And is that possible to persuade my firm to sponsor the L1A visa?

Thank you for all the suggestions in advance!!!!

[Maggie@123]

Hi, the designation does not matter if you are applying for a L1A/L1B.

If you have been working in your current organization at a managerial role for more than 1 year in the last 3 years, and you had people(managers) reporting to you then its better that you go for L1A.
For L1B, you would have to prove that you have specialized skill in some system/process/tools of the organization that ne one else has. I feel it would be a little difficult for a Finance guy to prove that.

Please discuss in detail with your immigration team in the organization in more detail. They would be able to tell you what they did in a similar previous case. That should help you in taking an informed decision

Thanks