L1 and E2 Visa for Russians
The USCIS regularly releases data regarding the adjudication of L-1 petitions and E-2 Visas. This data reveals that the denial rate of L-1 cases rose over 10% from FY 2012 to FY 2013 and in FY 2013, and that an astounding 35% of all L-1 petitions filed were denied. Thankfully, these numbers have been slowly decreasing as the United States government is easing its tension towards L-1 visas. The number of E-2 approvals has stayed stagnant over the years, with the exception of the rise in popularity of the EB-5 Visa, which is similar but mostly used by citizens of countries that do not fall under the category of approved E-2 nations. Russian applicants have seen a steep rise in approval rates for the past decade or so, as tensions between our nations are lower than ever. Bilateral relations between the former Cold War foes have been strained in recent years over issues including Russia’s granting of asylum to U.S. fugitive Edward Snowden and the passage of the U.S. Magnitsky Act, which allows for sanctions against Russian human rights abusers. But the countries have made progress on visa rules for their citizens. The following are short summaries of the two visa categories being discussed:
The L-1A intra-company transferee classification applies to qualified executives and managers within multinational companies. These individuals can be transferred from their foreign employer to work for up to seven years in the United States for an appropriately affiliated U.S. company. The company must continue to operate as a multinational company for the duration of the employee’s L1A status.
An E-2 Visa is a Visa Classification that is available for foreign nationals who wish to live in the U.S. to develop and direct the operations of a business. The business can be large or small and an E-2 Visa is a great Visa option for those who want to start a business.
Over 250,000 nonimmigrant visas were used to Russians by the USCIS in 2014, with an estimated 15 percent increase of that number for the 2015 year. Now is the best time for Russians to be applying for these visas, but they should be aware of complex application requirements and procedures that are in place. Buda Law Group specializes in L1 and all varieties of investor visas (including E2 and EB5). We also have Russian speaking legal experts that are ready and eager to help with all of your questions and concerns.
Please contact the following Russian Hotline number that Buda Law Group offers specifically for its potential Russian clients: (310) 245-2809
Thank You,
John B. Buda, Esq.
www.budalawgroup.net
office: 626-796-1422
john.buda@budalawgroup.net
1201 W. Huntington Dr. Suite 209
Arcadia, CA 91007
