Documents you'll need
| Document | Details | Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months, with a copy of the photo page | Required |
| DS-160 form | Completed online and checked by us | We prepare |
| Photo | Recent colour passport photo | Required |
| Interview appointment | At the US Embassy in London or Consulate in Belfast | We prepare |
| Petition approval | USCIS approval notice or blanket L documents from your employer | Required |
| Employer letter | Describing your role in the UK and in the USA | Required |
We give you a full checklist for your circumstances at your consultation.
How the L-1 visa works
Your employer first files a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), or uses an approved blanket L petition. You must usually have worked for the company abroad for at least one continuous year in the last three. You then apply for the visa with the approval and attend an interview.
The US visa interview
Most US visas involve the online DS-160 form, paying the visa fee, and an interview at the US Embassy in London or the US Consulate in Belfast. Every answer on the DS-160 must be accurate and match your documents. We prepare your form and tell you what to take to the interview.
L-1 visa help from Manchester
We're based in Manchester city centre and help travellers and businesses across the UK. We check the rules for your passport, prepare your application and keep you updated until it's decided.
Before you travel to the United States
Check the UK government’s travel advice for the United States before you book, and again shortly before you go. It covers safety, local laws, health risks and the latest entry rules.
- Passport: most countries expect it to be valid for at least six months after you arrive, with blank pages for stamps. If yours is close to expiry, renew it first.
- Health: check the NHS fitfortravel website for the United States at least eight weeks before you travel, in case you need vaccinations or malaria tablets. Some countries ask for a yellow fever certificate if you’ve recently been somewhere with yellow fever.
- Insurance: take out travel insurance that covers medical treatment and getting you home, and check it’s valid for the United States.
- Bookings: carry copies of your return ticket and accommodation, as border officers can ask to see them.
We go through the entry requirements for your passport when we prepare your application, so you know exactly what to carry.
How we help
- Check your eligibility and confirm the right route at your consultation
- Give you a personalised document checklist
- Prepare and complete your application forms
- Review all evidence against the current rules before submission
- Keep you updated until you have a decision
Fees and timescales
| Service | Visa length | Embassy fee (incl. VAT) | Our fee | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Application completed and documents checked | Ask us | – | Call for price | – |
The embassy fee includes the visa centre charges and VAT. It can depend on your nationality and the number of entries, so we confirm it before you pay.
Returning your passport
| Delivery option | Price |
|---|---|
| Special Delivery | £15 |
| Special Delivery by 9am | £45 |
| Saturday Guaranteed | £55 |
| Saturday by 9am | £65 |
| Courier | We’ll quote |
Common questions
Who files the L-1 petition?
Your employer, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services, or through an approved blanket L petition.
Can my family come with me?
Spouses and children can usually apply for L-2 visas.
How long does a L-1 visa take?
Processing times vary with the authority and the time of year. Apply as early as you can, and don’t book non-refundable travel until your visa or authorisation is approved.
Can you help with my L-1 visa application?
Yes. We check which visa fits your trip, prepare your L-1 visa application and documents, and keep you updated. Contact us or call 0161 956 2003.