đ Visa Overview
Citizens of Germany applying for a L1 Intracompany Transfer Visa must expect to demonstrate that they have been employed outside the United States for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding their admission to the United States. Citizens of Germany who are granted a L1 Intracompany Transfer Visa are authorized to work in the United States for a maximum initial period of three years, with the possibility of extensions up to a total of seven years for L1A visa holders or five years for L1B visa holders.
đ Required Documents
- Valid passport (min. 6 months validity beyond stay)
- DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (completed)
- MRV visa application fee payment receipt ($185)
- Form I-797 Notice of Action (USCIS petition approval notice)
- One recent passport-style photograph
- Employer support letter describing the intracompany transfer
- Proof of employment with foreign company for at least 1 year in last 3 years
- Evidence of managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role
đ Key Details
| Processing Time | 3-5 business days after interview |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | đ° $185 USD |
| Visa Validity | 60 Months |
âšī¸ Important Notes
â Frequently Asked Questions
What is the validity of an L1 intracompany transfer visa for citizens of Germany?
The validity of an L1 intracompany transfer visa for citizens of Germany is 60 months, which means that once the visa is approved, the applicant from Germany can enter and stay in the United States for a period of up to 5 years. This validity period allows the visa holder to work in the United States for their employer without needing to renew their visa for 5 years. During this time, the visa holder must comply with the terms of their visa and maintain their eligibility for the L1 visa category.
What documents are required for an L1 visa interview in Germany?
Applicants from Germany are required to bring several documents to their L1 visa interview, including a valid passport with at least 6 months' validity beyond their intended stay in the United States, a completed DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and a receipt for the MRV visa application fee payment of $185. Additionally, they must provide Form I-797, Notice of Action, which is the USCIS petition approval notice, as well as an employer support letter, proof of employment with the foreign company for at least 1 year in the last 3 years, and evidence of their managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role. A recent passport-style photograph is also required for the application process.
How much is the L1 visa fee for citizens of Germany?
The official visa application fee for an L1 intracompany transfer visa for citizens of Germany is $185 USD, which is a mandatory payment for the processing of the visa application. This fee is non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of the application, and must be paid prior to the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Germany. The receipt for this payment is one of the required documents that must be presented during the visa interview.
What is the processing time for L1 visa applications from Germany?
The typical processing time for L1 visa applications from Germany is 3-5 business days after the interview, which means that applicants from Germany can expect to receive a decision on their visa application within a few working days after they have attended their interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. This processing time may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the application, but in general, L1 visa applications are processed relatively quickly, allowing applicants to plan their travel to the United States accordingly. It is essential to apply well in advance of the intended travel date to ensure that the visa is approved in time.