Read the general business expansion overview
A hypothetical Fort Saskatchewan group may open a U.S. procurement function or an equipment-diagnostics operation. Both require an authentic corporate-transfer foundation, but the additional new-office evidence must fit the actual L-1A or L-1B proposal.
Use the true operating history
The new-office framework applies where the qualifying U.S. organization has been doing business for less than one year. A registration date or website alone does not establish the required operating activity. Document the qualifying relationship, continuing business foundation and required continuous full-time year abroad within the relevant three-year period. Initial new-office approval is limited to one year.
Explain the managerial new-office showing
For L-1A, the qualifying foreign year must be managerial or executive in a new-office case. Sufficient physical premises and evidence that the operation will support the U.S. managerial or executive position within one year of approval are required. A function manager’s plan should identify the essential function, senior authority and resources carrying out routine work, rather than a title unsupported by actual duties. The qualifying foreign year must be full-time within the relevant three-year period. U.S. visit days do not count toward that year, although brief visits do not automatically interrupt continuity.
Explain the specialized-knowledge new-office showing
For L-1B, show sufficient premises and the financial ability to compensate the beneficiary and commence doing business, together with the other transfer requirements. Describe the special product knowledge or advanced process knowledge and its use in the proposed operation. A knowledge claim does not substitute for funding or premises; a funded office does not itself prove specialized knowledge.
Keep ownership and future timing accurate
If an owner or major stockholder is involved, provide the required evidence of temporary U.S. services and a subsequent foreign assignment. Do not promise that a delayed launch automatically extends status. Ordinary L-1A cases can use a qualifying foreign year in managerial, executive or specialized-knowledge capacity; do not incorrectly export the new-office managerial-year requirement to every established-office case.
What else is on your mind?
Does being a business owner or director qualify me for L-1A?What employment history should an L-1 transfer review cover?What makes a new-office L-1A case different?Why does an L-2 spouse’s admission record matter for work?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.