L1A Visa Questions

[berlinpose2]

Long time lurker who really appreciates the advice given here. I'm posting this using a new account because I don't want to post this under my main.


I'm an Indian citizen currently managing the Indian operations of a smallish software consulting firm (wholly owned Indian subsidiary of a US company). For quite a while, my employer has been offering me a lateral move to the parent (US) company. I've politely declined the offer in the past, but with several changes in our personal life, my wife and I have decided that immigrating to the US is the best way forward. My employer has opted to apply for a L1A visa on my behalf since I'm a manager (for the past 3+ years) and will be continuing in a similar role for the parent. However, since this is the first time they are going this route (they have some employees who transferred under the H1B visa) there is nobody to whom I can frankly speak to about some questions I have. (My employer has retained a law firm, but they interact directly with HR and are not very responsive to me).

1. The companies are fairly small - the US parent has about 130 employees and the Indian subsidiary has about 25. Will this small headcount be an issue?
2. What do they ask you at the interview at the consulate?
3. How long does the process take from application to visa stamping?
4. As I understand it, the initial validity of the L1A visa is 3 years after which it can extended for a total duration of 7 years. Is this correct?
5. What is the earliest I can apply for a Green Card for myself and my family (wife and toddler son)?

Thanks in advance!

[Libra_14]

The companies are fairly small - the US parent has about 130 employees and the Indian subsidiary has about 25. Will this small headcount be an issue?

Should not be as long as you are a genuine manager.

What do they ask you at the interview at the consulate?

They just verify what you mentioned in your visa form & some background check that you are not a threat to country, a legitimate person - eligible for his visa etc.

How long does the process take from application to visa stamping?

Under premium processing it will be roughly 2-3 months, normal processing will be around 7-9 months.

As I understand it, the initial validity of the L1A visa is 3 years after which it can extended for a total duration of 7 years. Is this correct?

Yes, if granted you'll get 3 years perition, which you can renew 2 times for 2 years each & last time for the remaining period (suppose you move late after your approval & the time you spent outside USA for vacation/family visit etc.)

What is the earliest I can apply for a Green Card for myself and my family (wife and toddler son)?

The moment you land in USA on a dual-intent non-immigrant visa, you can start processing for your GC, which might take from few months to few years to be issued. No cool off period.

[slaksma]

berlinpose2 How many reportees do you have in India and US ?