L1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Questions about your Current Work

1. What is the name of the organization in which you are currently working?
   Mention the name of your current organization to the immigration officer.
2. How long have you been employed by your current organization?
   Mention the number of years you have been working for your current organization.
3. What roles and responsibilities do you perform on a daily basis for your current organization?
   Mention the exact details of the type of roles and responsibilities you perform for your current organization on a daily basis to the immigration officer.
   
4. What is your monthly/yearly salary?
   Mention the monthly/yearly compensation provided by your current organization.
5. How many people currently are under your supervision in the company?
   Mention the number along with the details of the people who are currently under your supervision in the company.
6. Why is the sponsor mentioned in the petition letter different to your current organization?
   If the sponsor mentioned by you in the petition letter is different to your current organization, provide logical and honest reasons to the immigration officer as to why it is so.
   
7. What kind of work is your organization into?
   Mention the exact type of work your organization performs with all the details.
8. What kind of services do the clients generally avail from the company?
   Mention to the immigration officer the type of services that your clients avail from the company
   
9. What unique skill sets do you possess?
   Mention the unique skill sets you possess to the immigration officer.
10. How many years of experience you have in this line of profession?
    Mention the answer with appropriate details.
    

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Proposed Job Role in US 

1. What will your job title and designation be in the US? 

State the exact title as listed in the I-129 petition. Confirm whether it is a managerial, executive, or specialised knowledge role. Your answer must be entirely consistent with the supporting documents submitted to USCIS.

2. What is the address of the US office where you will be based?

Provide the full address, street, city, state, and zip code, of the US office. If your work involves multiple locations or client sites, mention these and confirm the primary place of employment listed in the petition.

3. What type of work will you be doing in the United States?

Describe your planned duties clearly and concisely, matching the petition narrative. If you are an L1A transferee, discuss strategic decisions, team leadership, and budgetary responsibilities. If you are an L1B, explain the specific technical or proprietary work that only someone with your background can perform.

4.Why cannot this work be performed from your home country?

This is one of the most important questions. Give clear, logical reasons. For example, the need for on-site client engagement, the requirement to manage a US team in person, regulatory requirements, or the need to oversee the launch of a new US operation. 

5.Why can't a US citizen or permanent resident do this job instead?

Explain that your value lies in your deep, company-specific knowledge accumulated over your tenure, institutional knowledge about proprietary systems, global operations, or management structures that a new local hire would not possess. For L1B applicants, highlight the unique nature of your specialised knowledge 

6.What will your salary be in the United States and in which currency?

State the salary or total compensation as listed in the petition, confirming the currency (typically US dollars). If there is a split-payroll arrangement where you receive part of your salary from the foreign entity, explain this clearly.

7.Will you have authority over the company’s budget?

Answer truthfully. If you do have budgetary authority, describe the approximate scope (e.g., the budget you oversee). This is particularly relevant for L1A managers and executives, as USCIS and consular officers look for evidence of real decision-making power. 

8.Will you have authority to hire or fire employees?

If you will have hiring or firing authority, state this clearly along with the scope such as how many employees, what level, and whether this authority is direct or through recommendations. L1A applicants who lack genuine personnel authority may face additional scrutiny. 

9.Who will be your direct supervisor in the United States?

Provide the name, title, and location of your reporting manager in the US. If you will report directly to the board of directors or a senior executive committee, say so. Have the organisational chart ready as a supporting document. 

10.What are your plans if you find yourself out of work in the United States?

Clarify that your L1 visa is tied to your employer. If your employment ends, you would be required to leave the US or change to another valid visa status within the grace period (typically 60 days). You may also note that you would work with an immigration attorney to explore lawful options, including a change of status or returning home. 

Corporate Relationship 

1. What is the relationship between your current employer and the US company? 

Explain clearly whether the US entity is a subsidiary, parent company, branch, or affiliate of your current employer. Describe the ownership or control structure. The L1 visa requires a qualifying relationship between the two entities; common ownership or control is essential. Bring corporate documents, shareholder agreements, or an organisational chart. 

2.What kind of business does the US company operate?

Describe the US company's industry, main products or services, its client base, and the size of its operations. The consular officer needs to be confident that the US entity is a real, operating business, not simply a registered shell company. 

3.Why is the sponsor mentioned in the petition letter different to your current organization

If the sponsor mentioned by you in the petition letter is different to your current organization, provide logical and honest reasons to the immigration officer as to why it is so.

4.What is the US company a new office or an established operation?

If it is a new US office (less than one year of trading), be prepared to discuss the business plan, the secured physical premises, funding arrangements, and the realistic prospect of the office becoming fully operational within the first year. New office L1 petitions receive additional USCIS scrutiny. 

Specialised Knowledge 

1. What unique skills or specialised knowledge do you possess? 

Describe the specific, proprietary knowledge that you hold. For example, deep expertise in a company-specific technology, process, product, or system that is not widely available in the general labour market. 

2. How many years of experience do you have in your specialist field?

State the total years of relevant experience, noting how much of this was spent developing company-specific expertise. Support this with your employment history and any professional certifications or qualifications. 

3.How does your specialised knowledge benefit the US operations?

Explain the specific business needs. For instance, implementing a proprietary platform, providing knowledge transfer to the US team, or supporting a major client project that requires your specific expertise. Be concrete and refer to the petition's stated purpose. 

Family and Dependants 

1. Are you planning to bring your spouse or children to the United States? 

If yes, explain that your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age are eligible for an L2 visa as dependants. L2 visa holders may live and study in the US, and since November 2021, L2 spouses have been automatically authorised to work without needing a separate Employment Authorisation Document (EAD), provided their L2 status is valid. 

2.Do you have family members who are US citizens or permanent residents?

Answer honestly. Having family members in the US is not itself a problem, but the officer may ask follow-up questions to ensure you have genuine non-immigrant intent for this transfer. Since the L1 is a dual-intent visa, you can legally pursue permanent residence in the future. 

Visa Validity, Extension, and Renewal 

1. How long do you plan to stay in the United States? 

State the validity period approved by USCIS on your I-797 and confirm your intent to remain within the authorised period of stay. L1A holders may stay up to a maximum of seven years; L1B holders up to five years. Mention that you will comply with all US immigration regulations. 

2.Are you aware that your LI visa is employer-specific?

Confirm that you understand the L1 visa is tied to the petitioning employer and the qualifying corporate relationship. If you change employer or the corporate relationship changes materially, you will need to file a new petition. You cannot simply transfer to a different, unrelated employer on an L1 visa. 

3.Do you intend to apply for a US Green Card in the future?

You may answer honestly. The L1 visa permits dual intent — it is legally permissible to intend to apply for permanent residence while holding L1 status. L1A holders are often sponsored for an EB-1C employment-based green card, which does not require a separate labour certification.