Non-US citizens who wish to extend their stay in the United States with an L1 visa extension may be wondering what their chances are of being rejected by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Unfortunately, the rejection rate for L1 visa extension applications has been increasing in recent years, and it is expected to continue doing so in 2023. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why L1 visa extension applications are rejected, how you can reduce your chances of rejection, and what you can do if your application is rejected.

Key Takeaways:

• L1 visa extension rejection rates are expected to increase in 2023.
• Common reasons for rejection include insufficient evidence and failure to meet eligibility requirements.
• To reduce your chances of rejection, it is essential to provide thorough documentation and meet all eligibility requirements.
• If your application is rejected, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting evidence.

L1 Visa Extension: What is it?

Firstly, it is crucial to understand what an L1 visa extension is. An L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices for up to seven years. To be eligible for an L1 visa extension, the employee must have worked for the company’s foreign office for at least one year and be transferred to the company’s U.S. office to work in a similar role.

Overview of the L1 Visa Extension Rejection Rate

While the overall L1 visa rejection rate is relatively low, the rejection rate for L1 visa extension applications has been increasing in recent years. In 2022, the L1 visa extension rejection rate was approximately 17%, and it is expected to increase in 2023. This has become a matter of concern for non-US citizens who wish to extend their stay in the United States.

Reasons for L1 Visa Extension Rejection in 2023

Several reasons could lead to rejection of your L1 visa extension application. Below are some of the most common reasons:

Insufficient Evidence

One of the most common reasons for rejection is the lack of proper documentation or insufficient evidence to support your extension application. It is essential to provide all necessary documents that prove the relationship between the company’s foreign office and U.S. office, job duties, and the employee’s qualifications.

Failure to Meet Eligibility Requirements

An L1 visa extension application can also be rejected if the applicant fails to meet all eligibility requirements. This can include a failure to show that the employee worked for the company’s foreign office for at least one year, or the role in the U.S. office is similar to the position held in the foreign office.

Incomplete Application

An incomplete application can also lead to rejection of an L1 visa extension application. It is essential to complete all required forms and provide all necessary documentation to avoid any delays or the application’s rejection.

How to Reduce Your Chances of L1 Visa Extension Rejection Rate in 2023

While there is no guarantee that your L1 visa extension application will be approved, there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of rejection:

Provide Thorough Documentation

Thorough documentation is essential to support your extension application. All necessary documents that prove the relationship between the company’s foreign office and U.S. office, job duties, and the employee’s qualifications should be provided.

Meet Eligibility Requirements

Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements for an L1 visa extension. This can include working for the company’s foreign office for at least one year, and the role in the U.S. office is similar to the position held in the foreign office.

Seek Professional Help

It is always advisable to seek professional help from an immigration attorney while applying for an L1 visa extension. An experienced attorney can guide you through the application process, provide valuable insights, and help you avoid any mistakes in the application.

What to Do If Your L1 Visa Extension is Rejected

If your L1 visa extension application is rejected, there is still hope. Depending on the reason for your extension’s rejection, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply with additional supporting evidence. It is essential to understand the reason for rejection and take appropriate steps to address the issue before reapplying.

Conclusion

The rejection rate for L1 visa extension applications is expected to increase in 2023. Therefore, it is essential to provide thorough documentation, meet all eligibility requirements, and seek professional help when applying. If your application is rejected, do not lose hope; you should understand the reason for rejection and take the appropriate steps to address the issue before reapplying.

Useful FAQ

What is an L1 visa extension?

An L1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices for up to seven years. An L1 visa extension, on the other hand, is meant to extend the duration of the employee’s stay in the U.S. after their initial L1 visa has expired.

What is the L1 visa extension rejection rate in 2023?

The L1 visa extension rejection rate in 2023 is expected to increase due to various factors, including changes in immigration policies and increased scrutiny from USCIS.

Can I appeal an L1 visa extension rejection?

Yes, it is possible to appeal a rejection decision or reapply with additional supporting evidence if your L1 visa extension application is rejected. It is essential to understand the reason for rejection and take appropriate steps to address the issue before reapplying.