K1 Visa & L1 Visa

[Moqomo 0]

Hi

I am new to this site and the visa process and am assessing my options at the moment. I am a British Citizen and am looking to get engaged to my US Citizen girlfriend next month. I will be looking to apply for the relevant visas after this. I met my girlfriend while working in my company's New York office in 2010; our relationship developed over multiple work and personal trips since then.

I have spoken to my boss about my intentions and he said that he would support my transfer to our NY office; I believe this is usually done on an L1 visa.

Does anyone have any guidance on what would be the best procedure to follow?

Will an application for a K1 visa affect an application for an L1 visa or visa versa?

Will working for my company in NY on the ESTA while still employed and paid out of the UK go against the terms of the K1 visa?

Will working for my company in NY on the L1 Visa go against the terms of the K1 visa?

Any help or comment on this would be appreciated.

Regards

Gareth

[kzielu 1,149]

If you are going to get L-1, then forget about K-1. Get transferred on L-1 (which is dual intent), get married and adjust status. That's what I did.

Btw - would refrain from using term "working on ESTA". Can be serious trouble.

[Moqomo 0]

If you are going to get L-1, then forget about K-1. Get transferred on L-1 (which is dual intent), get married and adjust status. That's what I did.

Btw - would refrain from using term "working on ESTA". Can be serious trouble.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

[tata_and_stitch 0]

Hi guys, have the same issue - trying to transfer within my company to headquarters in the US (L1), but want to marry my boy when I am in there. How much time does it usually take to get a green card with work permit after marriage so my company can adjust changes and start treating me as local? BTW- I already have a social security so maybe it will help somehow to get things faster. Appreciate your answer!

[Moqomo 0]

Hi guys, have the same issue - trying to transfer within my company to headquarters in the US (L1), but want to marry my boy when I am in there. How much time does it usually take to get a green card with work permit after marriage so my company can adjust changes and start treating me as local? BTW- I already have a social security so maybe it will help somehow to get things faster. Appreciate your answer!

If you get transferred with L1 then the company should treat you as a 'local' I am not sure of any differences. While you are on the L1 you're visa is tied to your company so you can't leave them and stay in the coutnry without getting another visa or green card. Once you get married it is supposed to be around 3 months from application to get a green card with adjustment of status. This means that you will be a permanent resident and able to work for any company without restrictions.