If you are an employer who frequently petitions to transfer employees from your multinational offices to the U.S. as managers, executives, or individuals with specialized knowledge, you might consider a Blanket L petition.
What is a Blanket L Petition?
A Blanket L petition is a group petition for your employees to apply directly for their L-1 visas at consulates without first waiting for USCIS to approve an individual L petition approved. It is initially valid for three years, but later may be valid indefinitely.
What type of companies qualify for Blanket Ls?
Your company must be engaged in commercial trade or services, so the Blanket L is not an option for non-profits. Your company’s U.S. office must have been doing business for at least one year. It must also have at least three domestic or foreign branches.
And EITHER:
- Your company must have already gotten the petitions for at least 10 L-1 managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees approved during the last 12 months;
OR
- Your company’s U.S. subsidiaries or affiliates have combined annual sales of at least $25 million;
OR
- Your company has a U.S. workforce of at least 1,000 employees.
If the Blanket L Petition is approved, then individual employees can apply for L-1 Visas at a consulate. Their applications must be clearly approvable to receive visas.
