Read the general business expansion overview
Outside providers can be part of an operating model, but their contracts should not be presented as a fictional employee hierarchy.
Determine the office stage from business activity
Less than one year of qualifying U.S. business activity invokes the new-office framework. A registration or dormant entity is not equivalent to regular doing business. Establish the qualifying group and one continuous full-time foreign year within the relevant preceding three years.
Show the L-1A manager’s work
New-office L-1A specifically requires managerial or executive foreign employment and an operation capable of supporting that U.S. role within one year of approval. Identify sufficient premises, genuine vendor responsibilities and the applicant’s managerial duties. Do not conceal a plan in which the applicant primarily performs routine operations.
Keep the alternative knowledge case distinct
A new-office L-1B case needs sufficient premises and financial ability to pay the beneficiary and commence business. The specialized-knowledge standard remains necessary. Initial new-office approval is at most one year. Record actual operations as they develop so later evidence can explain whether the plan was carried out.
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: 2026-09-08. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.
- USCIS — L classification documentation and evidence
- Department of State — 9 FAM 402.12
- USCIS — employment authorization for certain spouses
- ICE — nonimmigrant classes that may study
- USCIS — fee schedule
- L definitions, foreign employment and new-office evidence
- 8 USC 1184 — specialized knowledge definition
- L1B specialized knowledge and offsite placement statute