Read the general business expansion overview
A Stonewall transfer plan should first identify whether the relevant U.S. organization falls within the L new-office framework. A newly leased site or new team does not automatically decide the issue. If the provisions apply, L-1A and L-1B have different evidence requirements and the initial petition period is limited to no more than one year.
Establish the actual business history
Hypothetical example: the employer opens another location while already conducting U.S. business. Identify the legal organization and when it began providing goods or services. Incorporation and a lease alone do not establish the complete operating history. Have the applicable framework assessed before preparing the evidence.
Use the correct role-specific evidence
For a new-office L-1A case, relevant requirements include sufficient premises, qualifying foreign managerial or executive employment and an intended operation that will support the role within one year of approval. New-office L-1B instead has its own premises, qualifying-organization and financial-ability requirements. Do not apply the managerial first-year test to a specialized-knowledge employee.
Plan to document what actually happens
Distinguish confirmed staff from projected hires and explain personal execution duties. A later extension requires evidence of actual business and applicable eligibility; initial approval is not a guarantee. Keep current operating and status records so business milestones do not substitute for immigration deadlines.
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: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.