L1 processing question

[mikedk 0]

Hi,

I am new here and have a question in regard to L1-B visas.

I have been working abroad in an office in Scandinavia for a US company at the size of 300 people, for 7 months now. They will offer me a L1-B visa after I have been here for a year. In the mean time (pretty much at the beginning on one of my first visits to the US while being employed at this company) I met a girl and we have been doing the long distance relationship thing. We are both excited for me moving to the US at the end of the year.

My question however is, when can the company I work for, begin the actual paperwork? Is that after 365 days of employment? Or can the paperwork begin before? So we can file the forms faster and I can get a L1-B as close to October 1st as possible? Or will we have to wait until after October 1st with the whole thing, and then add X months of processing time on top of that? If we pay for premium processing, will it then only be around 15 days from they file the first form, till everything is ready?

If I instead go the H1B route, then we can file the papers now and get the visa ready till october 1st, is that correct?

Thank you so very much for your time and help

[Delta5 9]

You must have a continuous one year work prior to to an L1b submission by your company. They would not be able to fill up the application form if you have not yet been working for a whole year w/ the company. They will be violating the said rule of the L visa. Processing is normally around 2 to 4 months .... but it depend on each cases. The premium processing is around 15 days. However, there are no guarantee that you will receive a visa even with the said premium processing. Your application will still depend on your qualifications and interview w/ the CO at the Consular office. Note, the premium processing is $1,000 in addition to all the fees that are required.

Your route for an employment visa whether an L1b or an H1b is first up to your company and not to you, unless they ask you to decide which one you would like to do (I doubt it though that they will let it up to you to decide). Remember, you work for them .... they don't work for you. Note, the H1b visa has a lengthy process than an L1b plus the H1b has a cap limit each year that usually get filled quickly each year, unless your company or you are exempt from the said limitation cap. The H1b visa are processing the FY 2013 for this year, although it could ..... an H1b holder can start working late this year once approved at the consular office.

Again, trying to fast tract your process does not guaranty you will receive a visa. In opposite result, it also might fast tract a notice to deny if your application is unsatisfactory in their assessment. Sometimes trying to shorten the process create more delays. Be patient .... your case is short compare to other VJ members. You will see your special someone and move here in the US soon enough.