[johnc1]

Hi Peter, thanks for doing this AMA!

Do you have any insights on whether getting an L1-A got more difficult with the current administration, and if/how the kind of documents/evidence needed for it changed recently?

I'm asking because I just got my L1-A renewal rejected (after having it successfully renewed 2 years ago), on the grounds of insufficient proof of my position being managerial. My I-94 expired and I don't have another visa, so I had to leave the US – and it's awful for my startup! Timing couldn't be worse.

I'm applying for a new L1-A, so any insights on my question above, or any advice on how to maximize my chance of getting it as quickly as possible, would be super welcome!

[proberts]

Non-blanket L-1s are just really tough and probably the "best" example of irrational and unfair decision-making by USCIS. In short, extensive documentation of the structure/organization of the U.S. and foreign companies and of the employees managed and to be managed needs to be provided along with DETAILED descriptions of current and future managerial job duties. But L-1s are just tough and were tough even under the prior administration.

[johnc1]

Thanks a lot for advice! How does L1-As compare with L1-Bs or O-1s on terms of being tough? Those two are my other options I'm considering.

[proberts]

An L-1A - if you can show management of people now and in the U.S. - is much easier than an L-1B - unless the L-1B involves advanced scientific research and development.

[Blackstone4]

I had an L1-B extension request inside the US and they came back with a request for more information. Honestly it looked like they were about to refuse my visa extension. I told the immigration lawyers that I'd be back in London over Christmas and they changed their tune. Applying through London, albeit with an L1 company blanket doc, took all of 30 minutes starting with review of the application and finishing with an interview where the person interviewing me obviously knew very little about my industry.

There appear to be wide discrepancies within the system that can be arbitraged.

[proberts]

The issue is really only with L-1 petitions filed with USCIS not with blanket L-1 visa applications filed with Consulates.