How to Change a B1 Visa to an L1 Visa
- 1). Determine if you are eligible for an L1 visa. This documentation allows an employee to stay in the United States for up to seven years. The initial visa gives the employee a three-year stay. To qualify, you must have worked for the company outside of the United States for at least one or the past three years. You must be a manager, an executive or a staff member with technical knowledge.
Exercise a degree of wariness if you have a criminal record. The I-129 form does not ask about criminal record, but the federal government carefully scrutinizes people who enter the country. Filing a new application invites a closer look at your background. - 2). Fill out the I-129, Petition For Nonimmigrant Worker. This 35-page application asks numerous questions about your reason for being in the country. Certain sections deal directly with status change. Part Two addresses issues relevant to a person changing a visa type, such as employment status and classification status.
Read this application carefully, and complete any section that relates to you situation. Sign your name where it is required. - 3). Mail the application to the Department of Homeland Security. Read the Instructions for Form I-129 to determine the correct address. The USCIS sends you a written decision on your application.
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