At DMR Law, we regularly represent internationally acclaimed artists, actors, musicians, and entrepreneurs in securing O-1, EB-1, EB-2 NIW, and other extraordinary ability or investor-based visas. While many of our clients have achieved global recognition, the success stories we highlight here reflect some of the more complex or unconventional cases we’ve handled—those that demonstrate not only our deep expertise in immigration law but also our ability to creatively advocate for clients whose talent or impact might not fit neatly into traditional molds.
L-1 visas are temporary, non-immigrant visas that allow companies to transfer certain employees from a foreign office to a U.S. office. They are typically used by multinational companies that need to move employees with specialized knowledge or managers/executives to the United States.
There are two main types of L-1 visas:
- L-1A: For executives and managers being transferred to a U.S. office or coming to the U.S. to establish a new one. This visa is valid for up to 7 years.
- L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge about the company’s products, services, systems, or processes. This visa is valid for up to 5 years.
To qualify, the employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
- L1A (Chief Legal & Administrative Officer) – Obtained L-1A visa for a Colombian legal executive tasked with overseeing corporate governance, contract negotiations, compliance, and HR strategy for a multinational entertainment firm. We demonstrated her qualification by documenting her direct oversight of company policies, management of outside counsel, and critical role in transitioning the company’s headquarters to the U.S., solidifying her status as an executive performing essential managerial functions.
- L1A (Chief Financial Officer) – Obtained L-1A visa for a Colombian financial executive responsible for the budgeting, financial reporting, tax planning, and internal controls of an expanding Latin music enterprise. We supported the petition by detailing his leadership in cash flow management, implementation of financial systems, and his strategic involvement in the company’s U.S. expansion, demonstrating that he met the executive function and organizational oversight requirements under the L-1A classification.
- L1A (Investment Director) – Obtained L-1A visa for a Colombian investment executive responsible for managing strategic financial planning and intellectual property investment for a multinational music company. We demonstrated his executive capacity by outlining his leadership in portfolio management, investment due diligence, risk assessment, and budgeting, all of which supported the company’s transition and long-term expansion into the U.S. market.
- L1A (Marketing Director) – Obtained L-1A visa for a Colombian marketing executive responsible for managing brand strategy, media relations, content oversight, and internal marketing operations for a multinational entertainment company. We demonstrated his eligibility by detailing his leadership over the communications department, his development of global branding strategies, and his coordination of digital content and press relations in support of the company’s U.S. expansion.
- L1B (Artist Manager) – Obtained L-1B visa for a Colombian artist manager with specialized knowledge in managing the full scope of a global music career, including tour logistics, strategic partnerships, contract negotiations, and brand development. We demonstrated his indispensable role in the development and execution of high-level initiatives for a top Latin artist, highlighting his direct involvement in planning international tours, coordinating multi-platform campaigns, and shaping the long-term business and creative trajectory of the artist’s brand.