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How Do You Transfer From an L1 Visa to a Green Card?

How Do You Transfer From an L1 Visa to a Green Card?

Transferring from an L1 visa to a green card provides you with permanent residency. This legal status enables you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely without being tied to a specific employer.

This process offers significant advantages, including freedom from visa renewals, job mobility, travel ease, and educational opportunities. So if you are interested in adjusting your status to permanent residence, keep reading to find out how.

What Are the Essential Pathways and Steps to Transfer to a Green Card

Because the L1 is a “dual intent” visa, you can pursue permanent residency without violating your status. However, transferring from an L1 visa to a green card generally involves your employer. The company must file an immigrant petition, Form I-140, typically through the EB-1C category for managers and executives or EB-2/EB-3 for skilled workers, professionals, and those with advanced degrees.

This is often the fastest route because it does not require the lengthy Program Electronic Review Management (PERM) labor certification process for leadership roles. However, for non-managerial workers, a PERM is the first, mandatory step for many U.S. employers sponsoring foreign workers for a permanent green card. The goal of this process is to prove to the Department of Labor (DOL) that no qualified, willing U.S. workers are available for the position. The exception to this is if you qualify for a National Interest Waiver (NIW).

What Are the Main Stages of the Green Card Transfer Process?

To transfer from an L1 visa to a greed card, you would need to have your employer follow these four steps on your behalf:

  • Complete and file the PERM labor certification to initiate the process, if applicable.
  • Submit Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) to show your eligibility.
  • Once your I-140 is approved and a visa is available, file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to become a permanent resident.
  • Wait for approval, generally 8 to 12 months, or up to 24 months in some cases.

Important Considerations When Transferring from an L1 Visa to a Green Card?

Timing is everything when transferring to a green card, and many L-1A holders are able to complete this process in under a year. However, you must monitor the Visa Bulletin to ensure a visa is available in your category. You must also remain in the U.S. legally while your application is being processed.

Let Us Help You Transfer from an L1 Visa to a Green Card

If you need a knowledgeable legal advocate to champion your immigration issue, you came to the right place. If you are interested in transferring from an L1 visa to a green card, contact us at New Frontier Immigration Law for assistance. Because many immigration issues are complex, we can help you find peace of mind knowing we do things correctly to prevent unnecessary delays.