If you work for a foreign company, and this includes a Canadian company, and your employer has decided to transfer you to the United States, you can work legally if you obtain the proper work permit first. In this situation, as well as in a situation where you are a business owner who wishes to expand their business to the United States, you can apply for the L-1 visa. 
Please note there are two types of L-1 visa, the L-1A visa which is for managers and executives, as well as the L-1B visa which is for specialized knowledge employees.
The L-1 visa is a great visa because there are opportunities to extend it as well as eventually obtain permanent residence in the United States or a green card provided you meet the requirements.
What is required for the L-1 visa to work in the United States?
There are many different requirements for people who want to apply for an L-1 visa to work in the United States. These requirements include a properly completed L-1 visa application as well as all of the needed supporting documentation, but there’s also more.
There are strict legal definitions surrounding the relationship between the United States company and the foreign company. For example, the United States office must be a branch, affiliate, subsidiary or joint venture partner of the foreign company. In addition, the foreign company must still be operating while you have the L-1 visa.
Expanding your business to the United States is a great opportunity and a big step for many businesses around the world, including those in Canada. Make it work for you, and get it right the first time! Please contact our licensed immigration law firm before you apply.
President & CEO
Michael Niren
Mr. Niren is CEO of VisaPlace LLC and the President and Managing Partner of VisaPlace Legal Canada, an immigration law firm based in Toronto, and VisaPlace Legal US a law firm registered in The District of Columbia, USA. Mr. Niren is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Section, American Lawyers Association, and an Associate Member of the American Bar Association.
