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HD | Harrison-Donaldson Attorney At Law
214-810-3933

Kimberly E. Harrison

Smart, Creative U.S. Immigration Law Solutions

Manage Corporate Transfers In Texas With An L-1 Visa Attorney

Many multinational companies rely on the ability to move talent across borders without disruption. Whether your business is transferring a senior executive to lead a U.S. expansion or your team needs a specialized engineer based abroad to oversee a critical project here, the L-1 visa can be an essential operational tool.

My name is Kimberly Harrison-Donaldson, and for over 20 years, I have partnered with corporate leadership to manage the legal logistics of global mobility. With a background in both law (J.D.) and business (MBA), I understand that a visa petition is not just a legal document. It is a business lever. As your immigration lawyer, I will work to ensure your corporate structure and candidate profiles meet the strict standards required by federal law.

L-1A Visas For Executives And Managers

The L-1A classification allows U.S. employers to transfer an executive or manager from an affiliated foreign office to one of its offices in the United States. To qualify, the employee must do more than just hold a title. You must prove that they possess:

  • Executive capacity: Wide latitude in decision-making
  • Managerial capacity: The authority to supervise professional employees or manage an essential function of the organization

Take note that this category can also include functional managers, who are employees who may not supervise a large staff but manage a critical department or essential function of your business at a high level. At Harrison-Donaldson, Attorney at Law, I assist HR directors in drafting organizational charts and job descriptions that clearly demonstrate this authority.

One of the main advantages of an L-1A visa is its long-term potential. The requirements for the L-1A closely mirror those for the EB-1C green card. As such, having an L-1A status can create a streamlined pathway to permanent residency. It can also allow your executives to bypass the lengthy labor certification process.

L-1B Visas For Specialized Knowledge

The L-1B classification is one of the most scrutinized categories in the L-1 program. You must prove your employee possesses “specialized knowledge.” This can be one of two things:

  • Special knowledge of your company’s product and its application in international markets
  • An advanced level of knowledge of your company’s processes and procedures

In Texas and Ohio, I frequently handle L-1B petitions for clients in various industries, including engineering, architecture and IT. As your lawyer, I will work with your technical leads to articulate why this specific employee’s knowledge is essential, reducing the risk of Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

Establishing New U.S. Offices

For foreign companies looking to expand into the U.S. market, the “New Office” L-1 can be a launchpad. It allows you to send an executive or manager to the U.S. for one year to set up operations. This petition requires a distinct strategy. As your attorney, I can help you demonstrate:

  • Proof that you have secured sufficient office or industrial space
  • A credible business plan showing the U.S. office will support an executive position within one year

My background in business allows me to review your plan through both a legal and commercial lens, ensuring it meets the viability standards expected by immigration officials.

Blanket L Petitions For High-Volume Employers

For large multinational organizations, filing individual petitions for every transfer can be inefficient. If your company has at least three domestic or foreign branches and meets specific volume criteria, such as having a combined U.S. sales of $25 million or a U.S. workforce of at least 1,000, I can help you establish an L-1 blanket petition. This preapproval allows you to transfer eligible employees quickly, bypassing much of the USCIS processing time.

Partner With A Business-Minded L-1 Visa Attorney

Your transfer strategy can affect your operations – and therefore, your bottom line. Work with an attorney who views immigration through a commercial lens. I will work to align your L-1 petitions with your corporate structure and long-term goals.

Harrison-Donaldson, Attorney at Law, works with businesses and employers in Houston, Dallas, and in other cities in Texas and Ohio. My firm can also serve clients in other states. Call my firm at 214-810-3933 (Irving office) or 614-647-2773 (Columbus office) or send me an email to set up a consultation.