Keeping the L1 Visa Alive for New and Small Companies After the One Year Initial Period
Posted by: ScottMond Law Firm
April 04, 2011
Topic: Employment Visas
The initial one year period of approval for an L1 Visa in the U.S. is essentially a “trial period.” The purpose of this article is to explain to our clients the importance of establishing a Dun & Bradstreet report (D&B report) within the first year of an L1 Visa approval.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun using an instrument called VIBE (Validation Instrument for Business Enterprises), a web-based tool using commercially available information from an Independent Information Provider (IIP). In many cases, Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is used. USCIS scrutinizes even small start-up companies if they are not registered with Dun & Bradstreet, and the L1 Visa will consequently be denied.
Dun & Bradstreet is a company that provides subscribers with a ratings directory and credit reports of corporations. It also publishes financial composite ratios.
UCIS also compares information in D&B with information that is provided in the Visa petition, and makes an issue of any discrepancies. For example, if the D&B shows 20 employees and the I-129 form states 40 employees because the employer has not updated the D&B data, this is a problem. The employer has the responsibility of maintaining up-to-date information on D&B.
When our office begins representation, it is essential to lay a solid relevant business foundation for an L1 Visa. We will go over the D&B report well in advance of the L1 Visa renewal period. With this step in place, L1 visa renewal success with USCIS is maximized. For questions, you may contact us at [email protected] or call one of the offices, locations for which can be found at http://www.scottcclaw.com/.
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