A Stepwise Guide to Writing an L1 Business Plan The Immigration law in the United States is complicated, to say the least. Any person wishing to apply for a visa must comply with the strict requirements. That’s why you need an L1 business plan when applying for an L1 visa. So what’s an L1 visa? It is a non-immigrant visa that permits a US company or foreign firm with offices in the US to transfer its employee to the United States. The visa is valid for three years. After the lapse of three years period, you can seek an extension for three more years through an "L1 Visa Extension" process. To be eligible, the applicant must be a bona fide employee of the company in an executive role or a specific category. Once in the United States, the applicant must work with the parent, subsidiary, and affiliate office of the same company. So, do you and your company qualify according to these guidelines? If yes, the challenge will be convincing the visa issuing authority that your position falls under the USCIS rules of either an executive member, manager, or a specialized employee. The last part is the hardest to prove, leading to many denials. The employer must also prove that their branch or affiliate has the potential for growth. In this way, the USCIS can project the firm’s impact on the United States job market and the economy. So, Do You Need an L1 Business Plan? According to USCIS regulations, an L1 business plan is not mandatory. But this doesn’t mean you ignore its benefits. Otherwise, how do you convince the USCIS that your role is genuine or your business will succeed?
Therefore, an L1 business plan is invaluable and necessary to gain visa approval. Without an L1 business plan, the chances of getting an L1 visa are slim. Creating a business plan maximizes your probability of getting an approval. But remember, the online guide should not be a substitute for qualified business plan writing service. It is essential to retain a plan writer whenever working through immigration law issues. In this way, you’ll avoid making costly mistakes. So, an L1 business plan works for companies that want to second their nonUS citizens to their offices in the United States. What happens if nonimmigrant wishes to invest in the United States? Do they apply for an L1 visa? Well, if you want to invest in the US, you’ll need to apply for an E2-visa. Further, you must be a citizen of a country that enjoys a Treaty of Trade and Commerce with the United States. If successful, you'll be able to enter the US on account of the company you invest your resources in. Like an L1 visa, an E2 business plan is necessary for the approval of this visa. Without it, chances are, your request will be denied. Tips for Creating a Successful Business Plan The idea for an L1 business plan or E2 business plan is to get everything right from the start. Once the USCIS officials read your business plan, they’ll not have any doubt about what your business entails, the competitiveness, and how you fit in the plan. So, how do you create an effective business plan? 1. Identify the Necessary Documents The first step is to identify the documents that are critical for the visa application process. Such include proof of physical premises you have
bought or rented in the United States. Further, include materials which support your firm whether an LLC or a corporation. 2. Give a Summary of Your Firm It’s the first part of the business plan that an immigration officer comes first. Therefore, ensure the part is water-tight. A good business summary should be one page long. It should state the current owners of your firm and a statement of projected revenue in the next five years. 3. Show the Ownership Structure The E2 business plan should be clear on the ownership structure of your firm. You can use a simple graphic or a short paragraph showing the internal structure and the ownership hierarchy of your business. 4. Understand Your Market Well, have the immigration officer understand your target market. The business plan should show the market in a growing industry and how your business will grow with it.