L1 Visa Lawyer in Japan: Transfer Key Employees to the U.S. with Ease

Davies & Associates helps Japanese and multinational companies expand to the United States through efficient L1 visa solutions.

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What is the L1 Visa

Facilitating Intra-Company Transfers from Japan to the U.S.

The L1 visa allows international companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialised knowledge from Japan or overseas branch to a U.S. subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. It supports both established businesses expanding their American presence and entrepreneurs launching new U.S. operations under “new office” provisions.

Davies & Associates advises on both L1A (executives and managers) and L1B (specialised knowledge) categories, ensuring each application meets USCIS and consular requirements.

L1 Benefits

A Streamlined Route for Global Business Expansion

The L1 visa offers significant advantages for Japanese companies and professionals:

Our experienced legal team ensures that your intra-company transfers align with both immigration law and corporate objectives.

L1 Visa Requirements

Eligibility Criteria for L1 Applicants

To qualify for an L1 visa, you must:

Have worked for a qualifying organisation abroad for at least one continuous year within the last three years
Be transferring to a U.S. branch, parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of the same employer
Be entering the U.S. in an executive, managerial, or specialised knowledge capacity
The Japanese or foreign company and the U.S. entity must maintain a qualifying relationship

Davies & Associates provides detailed documentation support to prove eligibility, including organisational charts, employment records, and corporate structure verification.

L1 Visa Application Process & Timeline

From Petition to Approval — Step by Step

Eligibility Assessment

We confirm qualifying relationships and your employment history.

Petition Filing (Form I-129)

The U.S. employer files your petition with USCIS, supported by evidence of the business relationship and your role.

Approval & Consular Processing

Once approved, you attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Visa Issuance & Entry

Upon approval, you may travel and begin work in the U.S.

Typical processing times range from 3 to 6 months, with premium processing available for faster results.

L1 Visa Cost

Transparent Fees and Strategic Guidance

USCIS filing fees for L1 visas generally range from USD $460 to $500, excluding additional fraud prevention or premium processing fees.

Davies & Associates offers competitive legal packages that include:

Every client receives a clear cost outline before we begin—no hidden fees, no surprises.

L1 Visa to a Green Card

Transition from Temporary Transfer to Permanent Residency

The L1A visa is considered a “dual intent” visa, meaning holders can pursue permanent residency while in the U.S. Many L1A executives and managers later transition to the EB-1C Green Card category without labour certification.

Our immigration attorneys create integrated long-term strategies so Japanese businesses and executives can move seamlessly from temporary status to permanent settlement.

What Our Clients Say About Us

    
 
 
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   Muhammad Waqas 
 
 
 
  I had an outstanding experience with Davies & Associates LLC for my E1 Visa process. The firm, and specifically my attorneys Verdie and Nessa, exceeded my expectations at every step. My business is highly technical, and they demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand its intricacies, translating complex details into a clear, compelling case. Verdie’s extensive expertise in immigration law and Nessa’s unwavering attention to detail and responsiveness made for a powerful team. They addressed every query with precision and built an application so comprehensive that the US Consulate officer specifically thanked me for its clarity and thoroughness. Thanks to Davies & Associates, my visa was approved in record time. For anyone seeking expert immigration support, especially for a complex business, I cannot recommend Davies & Associates LLC more highly!
  
 
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   Mark Louis Sullivan 
 
 
 
  A big thank you to Verdie and team for the months of professional, patient assistance in obtaining our Visa. I can wholeheartedly recommend D&A.
  
 
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   Eranjan Venura Parua 
 
 
 
  "After finding D&A through an internet search in 2020, my wife and I had several free consultations with David Cantor. Despite our initial attempt at filing for our E2 visa independently ending in failure, we decided to hire D&A for their expertise and support. Over the course of four long years, Verdie and Cristina were incredibly patient as we took our time to prepare for the E2 submission. Verdie became our E2 Attorney in 2021, and from the start, Verdie and Cristina's patience was evident. Despite our intermittent engagement over the years, they always treated us with the utmost attention. Working with Verdie and the D&A team was a pleasure; their professionalism and support were unwavering. Verdie's calm demeanor and succinct communication style made navigating the process much smoother, even during complex discussions. I wholeheartedly recommend Verdie and D&A - Davies & Associates, to anyone seeking an immigration law firm who can efficiently handle their case with precision and without unnecessary fanfare. Their ability to get things done speaks volumes about their dedication to their clients' success."
  
 
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   Jimmi Batth 
 
 
 
  everyone helped me alot in my application especially Verdie and Etta and mark. answered all my questions, prepared my application very organised. EXCELLANT TEAM.
  
 
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   Jeremy Abernathy 
 
 
 
  I had the pleasure of working with Verdie and Nessa to obtain my E2 Visa. Their in-depth knowledge and experience allowed me to be fully prepared in my application and they were able to answer all questions leading up to the Visa interview.
  
 
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   Saeed Muhammad 
 
 
 
  Verdie was an amazing attorney, providing exceptional client care throughout the process. He had a great depth of knowledge in all areas on business visas in the US.
  
 
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   Bashiir Nuur 
 
 
 
  I am teacher in computer and i am driver

Schedule a Meeting

Speak to a Japan-Based L1 Visa Lawyer Today

Book a consultation with Davies & Associates to discuss your company’s U.S. expansion plans.
Our legal team provides tailored L1 visa strategies for executives, managers, and specialists relocating to the U.S. 

Start your process today.