Previously, I’ve applied for visas from a lot of countries but none of them required as much work as the U.S. visa application.
It got even more complicated with the L-1 blanket visa that I’m applying. It’s not the usual B-1/B-2 which most people apply for either tourism or business trips.
L-1 is intended for a intra company transferee. Basically it means I can work in the U.S., legally.
For the L-1 visa, I needed a lot of supporting documents from my company in the U.S. It’s not just an invitation letter. In fact, there’s no invitation letter needed.
Before my U.S. counterparts could provide me with these supporting documents, I need to pass 2 checks.
Drug Check
They need me to be free from all kind of drugs. And the procedure is that I go to the nearest Verifications Inc. collection center which is located in Singapore to have my urine taken and then it will be Fedex-ed to U.S. for lab testing.
To me, it doesn’t really make sense (time and money wise) to go all the way to Singapore for a day or two to have my urine taken, and then have it sent to U.S. So, we agreed that I’ll do this drug test once I’m in the U.S.
Background Check
This check was also handled by Verifications Inc. They gave me a long list of questionnaires asking about my personal background, professional background, family’s background and criminal background. Apparently, every employee in the U.S (at least for my company) needs to pass this check, otherwise they won’t be employed.
But wait. I’m not seeking for employment there. I’m just there for a short term assignment for less than a year. But still, the checks need to be done.
Once Verifications Inc. have cleared me with any previous wrong doings against their extensive worldwide database, my company will then start the visa application process for me.
L-1 Visa Application Process
For L-1 visa, my company in the U.S. needs to file a petition U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). It is actually a document showing that both the U.S. company and the foreign parent, subsidiary, affiliate or branch meet the qualifying factors set forth in the law and regulations.
This document is called the Form I-129.
And once this petition is approved, the USCIS will provide a Notice of Action, Form I-797.
I would be using this as the basis of my L1 visa application when I go to the U.S embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
I waited 10 days for these documents to be processed in the U.S. and then Fedex-ed to me.
Inside, there were 3 copies the Form I-129 which consists of :
- company’s annual report
- company’s background articles
- financial statements
- a letter detailing my specialized knowledge needed in the U.S.
- my qualifications
And that’s not all.
I still need to obtain a letter from the local HR, specifying how long I’ve worked in this company. The first requirement for L1 visa application is that I must have worked with this company for at least 12 months.
Then, I need a letter signed by by manager specifying how much I earn every month.
Also, I need a copy of my original degree.
With all the documents above done, then it’s time to pay the RM532 visa application fees. This can be done in any Allianz bank branch.
Once the payment was done, then only I can schedule my interview. It was quick though. The earliest available time is the day after tomorrow, which is a good thing.
But, before appearing for the interview, there are even more documents need to be prepared.
- DS-156 – an online visa application form
- DS-157 – another detailed visa application form
That’s not all, yet.
There’s an online interview scheduling form to fill up. Once done, I’ll have my interview application letter. And only with this letter I would be able to enter the embassy.
I know it’s pretty complicated. The most complicated visa application process I’ve ever done.
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