By Afshin Yazdani, Founder & Principal, YLG Yazdani Law Group
Expanding into the United States can feel equal parts exciting and intimidating. I’ve worked with many Canadian founders and executives who shared the same hopes: reach new customers, be closer to partners and investors, and give trusted employees career paths that cross borders. The L‑1 intra‑company transfer visa is a tool I often recommend because it’s practical, business-focused, and built for companies that already trust the people they work with. What the L‑1 does — in plain terms
The L‑1 lets a company move employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. There are two common streams:
- L‑1A — for managers and executives. Ideal when you need someone to set up, run, or grow a U.S. operation.
- L‑1B — for employees with specialized knowledge about your product, process, or customers.
Why it works for real businesses
I’ve seen startups and family businesses use the L‑1 to open doors fast. Unlike many immigration routes, L‑1 petitions can be prepared and filed quickly. For companies with several transfers, a Blanket L petition can make moving people routine and predictable. Importantly, an L‑1 transfer can keep your best people working for you while they help build your U.S. presence — and for managers, it can be a stepping stone to a green card through EB‑1C.
Who this is for
Think of the L‑1 when you have:
- A clear corporate connection between your Canadian and U.S. entities (parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
- An employee who’s been with you for at least one continuous year in the last three years.
- A role in the U.S. that’s managerial/executive (L‑1A) or requires deep, company‑specific knowledge (L‑1B).
Stories that show how it helps
I once assisted a Toronto-based software firm whose lead product manager moved to California on an L‑1B to work directly with U.S. clients and speed product adaptation. The transfer meant faster delivery, stronger client relationships, and — within two years — they secured a U.S. investment round that would have otherwise been out of reach.
Another client used an L‑1A to open a small sales and support office in Los Angeles. The transferred manager handled leases, banking, hiring, and early contracts. Within months the office was profitable and positioned for scaling.
Read More: c11 work permit
Practical steps to get it right
- Start early with documentation: corporate records, org charts, employment history, and a clear job description that reflects real responsibility.
- For a new U.S. office, prepare a detailed business plan, financial projections, and evidence you can support the employee’s role.
- Be specific about duties — USCIS focuses on what the person actually does day to day, not just their title.
- If you plan repeated transfers, explore a Blanket L — it saves time and reduces repeated paperwork.
- Coordinate corporate, tax, and immigration advice so your U.S. entity is properly set up from day one.
Common mistakes I help clients avoid
- Overstating managerial duties when day‑to‑day work is hands‑on technical or sales.
- Weak proof of the qualifying corporate relationship between entities.
- Waiting too long to document the new U.S. office’s plans and finances.
- Treating immigration as an afterthought rather than part of business planning.
Why work with a binational lawyer
Expanding across borders blends legal nuance with real business judgment. As someone licensed in Ontario and California, I help clients connect immigration strategy to corporate structuring, contracts, hiring, and compliance — so the legal work supports growth rather than slows it down.
If you’re thinking about testing the U.S. market, moving a key team member, or positioning leaders for long‑term U.S. roles, let’s talk. I’ll help you evaluate whether the L‑1 fits your goals and map a clear, practical plan to get you there.
Afshin Yazdani, Esq.
Founder & Principal, YLG Yazdani Law Group
afshin@ylgpc.ca | www.ylgpc.ca
Licensed in Ontario, Canada & California, U.S.
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