L1 A Individual - Premium Processing: Need help on queries

[Scooby_doo]

Likewise, the current engagement I've working on (I got back in Mar, was on Business visa then) requires my presence there since the entire architecture designed prior to COVID needs revamp and the client doesn't expect just a 'Keeping the lights on model".

So I guess emergency request with uploading letters from client / US team might be the only option. Let me know if you get any updates from your immigration team.

Damn....this wait is tiring......

Hopefully, fingers crossed!

[Scooby_doo]

RE-POSTING:

Hi Folks,

I had got my I-797B approved for L1A thru premium processing in March, 2020. My case status shows approved in he USICS page "We approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, and emailed you an approval notice.". and i have a scanned copy of the approval notice.

As per the current proclamation exemptions, I am a manager and fall under the category of Information Technology:

Senior-level executives or managers that are meeting a critical business or infrastructure need of an employer. Critical infrastructure sectors include chemical, communications, dams, defense industrial base, emergency services, energy, financial services, food and agriculture, government facilities, healthcare and public health, information technology, nuclear reactors, transportation, and water systems.

I also meet all the below 3 criterias:

L1A applicants are eligible for exemptions provided that they meet two of three indicators and they are not looking to setup a new office in the US. The three indicators include:

1. Must be a senior-level executive or manager - Manager
2. Has spent several years with the company overseas, indicating a substantial knowledge and expertise within the organization that can only be replicated by a new employee within the company following extensive training that would cause the employer financial hardship. - 6 Years with the same organization in India
3. Fill a critical business need for a company meeting a critical infrastructure need. - Due to the COVID-19 impact on our regular service delivery models, we have something critical going on at the client site where the service delivery needs to be revamped to the new normal. Almost the whole infrastructure of the services rendered by my team needs to be changed. (Can get a supporting letter from client with fine details)

My queries are:

1. Will this suffice for me to attend/ schedule an appointment for the interview?
2. Is hard copy of the approval required or will scanned copy suffice?
3. In the worst case, if the officer rejects my visa application, will i have to go thru the process right from the beginning like procuring a fresh I-797B approved by a fresh application? Or can i reapply? I applied it in premium processing and it costed quite a lot for my organization.
4. In case of reapplication, is there a specific blackout period that i may not be eligible to apply?

[Libra_14]

Will this suffice for me to attend/ schedule an appointment for the interview?

Thats sufficient, provided the embassies have started issuing visa at your location.

Is hard copy of the approval required or will scanned copy suffice?

Yes, better to have the original hard copy - I won't take risk of getting denied for a visa, just because I was lazy to get the original shipped from USA.

In the worst case, if the officer rejects my visa application, will i have to go thru the process right from the beginning like procuring a fresh I-797B approved by a fresh application? Or can i reapply?

Depends, if the VO cancels your petition, then you'll need to start the process from scratch.

I applied it in premium processing and it costed quite a lot for my organization.
In case of reapplication, is there a specific blackout period that i may not be eligible to apply?

There won't be any blackout period for you since you'll still qualify for working outside USA for an year in last 3 years.

[Scooby_doo]

Thats sufficient, provided the embassies have started issuing visa at your location.

Yes, better to have the original hard copy - I won't take risk of getting denied for a visa, just because I was lazy to get the original shipped from USA.

Depends, if the VO cancels your petition, then you'll need to start the process from scratch.

There won't be any blackout period for you since you'll still qualify for working outside USA for an year in last 3 years.

Thank you for your updates - Truly appreciate it. I also saw an update about Interview Waiver yesterday and was curious if this applies to L1 as well?

[Libra_14]

I also saw an update about Interview Waiver yesterday and was curious if this applies to L1 as well?

Yes, that applies to all non-immigrant visas.

[manojs83]

RE-POSTING:

Hi Folks,

I had got my I-797B approved for L1A thru premium processing in March, 2020. My case status shows approved in he USICS page "We approved your Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Receipt Number xxxxxxxxxxxxxx, and emailed you an approval notice.". and i have a scanned copy of the approval notice.

As per the current proclamation exemptions, I am a manager and fall under the category of Information Technology:



I also meet all the below 3 criterias:



My queries are:

1. Will this suffice for me to attend/ schedule an appointment for the interview?
2. Is hard copy of the approval required or will scanned copy suffice?
3. In the worst case, if the officer rejects my visa application, will i have to go thru the process right from the beginning like procuring a fresh I-797B approved by a fresh application? Or can i reapply? I applied it in premium processing and it costed quite a lot for my organization.
4. In case of reapplication, is there a specific blackout period that i may not be eligible to apply?

Hey Scooby,

Any updates on your visa appointment? Have you requested your US firm to share the letters? I'm planning for an expedited interview as well.

[Scooby_doo]

Yes, that applies to all non-immigrant visas.

Thanks Libra - Seems like this is only for renewals. Dropbox services are not there for new visa seekers.

Hey Scooby,

Any updates on your visa appointment? Have you requested your US firm to share the letters? I'm planning for an expedited interview as well.

Not yet Manoj - I have filled out the DS-160 form with a later date for interview appointment. Once the embassy opens, my organization is thinking about seeking an expedited appointment. Did you have any luck?

[Scooby_doo]

Update:

Got my interview schedule late in March, 2021 in Chennai. Waiting to see if there are any slots opening up earlier in the year.

[manojs83]

Update:

Got my interview schedule late in March, 2021 in Chennai. Waiting to see if there are any slots opening up earlier in the year.

That's good news...I've got my appointment scheduled in early Mar'21. Not sure why Mumbai appointment slots are mot available.

Any idea if it would open up anytime soon?

[Scooby_doo]

That's good news...I've got my appointment scheduled in early Mar'21. Not sure why Mumbai appointment slots are mot available.

Any idea if it would open up anytime soon?

That's nice. Only chennai was open when i tried and I could get it by end of March. Tried rescheduling couple of times but there are no dates available soon.

[Libra_14]

I think President extended the embassy closure till March end. Isn't it?

[Scooby_doo]

I think President extended the embassy closure till March end. Isn't it?

I can still see the appointment as scheduled for the date in March. Not sure if they are cancelling appointments but they can still interview but visas may be valid after the ban period if approved i guess?

[Libra_14]

I can still see the appointment as scheduled for the date in March. Not sure if they are cancelling appointments but they can still interview but visas may be valid after the ban period if approved i guess?

Someone had appointment in January can confirm that. What I know they were cancelling appointments month by month.

[Scooby_doo]

Someone had appointment in January can confirm that. What I know they were cancelling appointments month by month.

If that's the case, then it's a bummer - I would have to pursue the expedited appointment route if cancelled, which would take ages. But, the new President Elect may have the power to reverse the proclamation?

[Scooby_doo]

Someone had appointment in January can confirm that. What I know they were cancelling appointments month by month.

Update - I just received cancellations. It's just so disappointing that i need to find a earlier slot.