From Executive to Permanent Resident: Your L-1A Visa to Green Card Pathway

Your executive role with a multinational company offers you a route to temporary employment in the United States and a direct pathway to permanent employment via residence. Transitioning from an L-1A visa to Green Card status is arguably one of the best immigration pathways available to immigrants. Nevertheless, countless executives don’t recognize this opportunity.

L-1A to Green Card – Understanding the Connection

For executives and managers, the L-1A visa is temporary and a stepping stone toward permanent residence. Many visa holders only consider their temporary immigration status and don’t appreciate how they could leverage their position for permanent residence.

While not having a Green Card, holders of an L-1a visa are already a significant part of the qualifications for employment-based Green Cards. Most L-1A visa holders meet the qualifications for the EB-1C Green Card category, the most “prestigious” employment-based Green Card category. 

What makes the EB-1C Green Card special?

The EB-1C category distinguishes itself from other employment-based immigration categories for several reasons:

• No PERM Labor Certification Requirements – Unlike many employment-based categories with labor market testing, EB-1C applicants skip this process.
• Priority Processing – Being a first-preference category, there are often shorter EB-1C processing times. 
• Similar Qualifications – The qualifications are similar to L-1A visa criteria, making it straightforward to meet the qualifications and apply directly for a Green Card.

Essential Requirements: L-1A to EB-1C

You must meet certain requirements to transition to this permanent residency:

• Have worked in a managerial or executive capacity with your company outside the US for at least one year within the three years preceding your petition
• Currently hold an L-1A status in the US branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of that same company
• Continue working in a managerial or executive capacity in the US operation
• Ensure your US employer has been conducting business for at least one year
• Maintain a qualifying relationship between the US and foreign entities

The Application Process: Step by Step

The steps from L-1A to permanent resident have two components:

• Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) – Your employer files this petition to establish that you qualify for the EB-1C category.
• Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) – Once your I-140 is approved, you apply to adjust your status to permanent residence.

You can concurrently file your I-140 and I-485 when the visa numbers are immediately available for your category.

After filing, you must complete your biometrics and possibly attend an interview with USCIS. Depending on your situation and USCIS’s workload, the transition process can take 6-24 months.

Advantages During the Transition

One of the most significant advantages of this process is the ability to maintain your L-1A status throughout your green card application process. As an applicant, you can:

• Continue to travel internationally without disruptions to your application
• Continue to work in the United States without additional paperwork
• Keep your spouse and children stable if they are on dependent visas

Making an Informed Decision

With proper preparation, this pathway provides multinational executives with a direct route to permanent residence in the United States. The L-1A visa USA program is helpful to companies as a business tool and offers life-changing possibilities for the executives who run it.

For multinational executives with plans to make America their permanent home, Abhinav Immigration Services‘ team can guide you through a seamless transition every step of the way. We have been involved with thousands of successful immigration cases over the last several decades, and our team can help you navigate the demands of the immigration system without worry. 

Visit us today to learn how we can work together to help you with your journey toward permanent residence.