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What are the requirements for specialized knowledge for an employee looking to apply for an L-1 visa in California?
A:Under an L-1 visa, a company can transfer an employee from a foreign affiliated office to an office in California if the individual has “specialized knowledge.” This L-1 visa holder is generally sent to the United States to help establish the business and then work in the business once it is up and running.
The specialized knowledge must relate to the business/organization.
The individual must have knowledge of the business or organization’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management or advanced knowledge in the business’ processes and procedures.
The individual under the L-1 visa must have worked a continuous period of one year within the three years prior to filing the petition.
An L-visa lawyer in San Francisco emphasizes that the knowledge must be beyond ordinary in order for an individual to qualify for an L-1 visa as an employee with “specialized knowledge.” This includes knowledge that goes above and beyond that generally found in the specified industry; this knowledge is difficult to teach and is generally not known to other professionals. Additionally, this knowledge is important for allowing the business to successfully compete in the U.S. and is generally gained from having worked for the particular employer.
An employer looking to transfer an employee under the “specialized knowledge” category to a new office in California, or elsewhere in the United States, will apply for an L-1B visa. The employer or potential employee should contact an L-visa attorney in San Francisco for assistance and guidance in this process. Attorneys at the Law Offices of Vaughan de Kirby are available to assist employers and employees with the L-1 visa application process to help ensure there are no delays with the approval. For more information, order a copy of our free guide, The Business Owner’s Guide To United States Residency Via the L-1 Visa. Then call our office at (415) 221-2345 for help in obtaining an L-1 visa.
