The Hindu Business Line : `Start-up cos can opt for L-1 US visa'

Companies wanting to set up offices in the US can look at the L-1 visa as an alternative to the H1-B visa, said Mr Venkat Ramineni, Founder, VisaPro Immigration Services, LLC, US.

Speaking at a seminar on `US Immigration Strategies', he said companies could opt for L-1 visas that take the same processing time as a H1-B visa but lesser processing costs.

A H1-B visa fee ranges between $3,200 and $4,200, while a L-1 visa fee ranges between $2,000 and $3,000. However, a H1-B visa allows one to work in the US for three years. An L-1 visa allows start up companies to carry out operations in the US for one year and established companies setting up a branch office in the US can get a three-year validity.

While applying for the L-1 visa, Mr Ramineni said companies must present records of registration papers and business lease and prepare a five-year business plan for the proposed US entity. "Companies must provide a growth plan that outlines targets, employee strength and clients that it hopes to target over the next five years," he said.

Failure to achieve the mentioned targets could result in companies being disqualified for a L-1 visa extension, he said.

VisaPro is a US-based immigration services provider and helps process visas online.

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