L-1 new office and business expansion

Who this pathway suits

Foreign enterprises opening their first branch, subsidiary, or office in the United States.

Eligibility at a glance

• Physical commercial premises secured in the US (lease agreement)
• Overseas parent enterprise remains actively trading and viable
• Qualifying executive or managerial role
• Comprehensive 5-year business plan demonstrating that within 1 year the US office will support an executive or managerial position

How the process works

1. Incorporate US company and lease commercial space
2. Lodge Form I-129 with new office documentation
3. Initial approval granted for 1 year
4. Extend for 3 years upon proving hiring and revenue

Documents you will typically need

• Lease agreement, business plan with financial projections, bank statements showing initial capital, corporate affiliation evidence

What to keep in mind

Initial approval is granted for 1 year; at extension, the company must demonstrate revenue and full-time employee hiring.