When applying for an L-1B visa, the interview stage is your opportunity to demonstrate to the Consular officer that you satisfy the visa requirements. Being prepared requires compiling necessary supporting documents, and practising answers to the L-1B visa questions you’re likely to be asked.

In this guide, we set out what you can expect at your L1 visa interview, to help you prepare and give your application the best chance of success.

 

L1B visa interview

 

The US L1B visa allows foreign employees with specialist knowledge to either transfer to an existing US office or to move to the country to establish a new office, branch or subsidiary of their organisation. For the visa application to approved, it must be shown that the employee is indispensable to the company due to their specialist knowledge and this knowledge must be vital to the function of the systems or products of the company.

If you are applying for an L1B visa you will be required to attend a visa interview.

The adjudicating officer will determine the exact questions you are asked, but it is advisable to prepare answers to commonly asked questions in advance.

To have a good chance of success at this interview you must also spend time beforehand ensuring you have all the relevant documentation ready to support your answers.

If you fail to prepare for your interview or do not have the correct documents with you on the day, you risk a delay to your visa processing if further information is requested, or your visa may even be refused.

 

L1B visa interview questions

 

Although you can expect your interview adjudicator to have prepared for your interview by looking over your application, it is best not to make any assumptions as to what they know about your profession or your industry. When answering the L1B visa questions, provide as much detail and context as you can while being concise and clear and avoiding going off-topic.

Be honest and open about your experience, past employment and future plans. If you do not know the answer or need to check details before giving an answer, be upfront with the adjudicator. Giving false or incomplete information is ill-advised; your application is likely to be delayed or refused later in the process.

At the interview, the questions you will be asked fall broadly into four categories: general, current job, general US employment and L-1B specific questions.

 

General questions

 

These questions are designed to check your personal information, your travel history, your knowledge of the US and you will be asked to show key documentation such as your passport.

Common questions asked include:

 

• Can you confirm personal details – your name, current address and contact details.
• Can we see your passport, visa fee receipt, I-797 and I-128 and DS-160 forms?
• Which visa are you applying for and why are you applying for it?
• Have you previously travelled to the US? Can you provide dates and reasons for travel?
• Have you ever worked in the US before? Can you provide dates and employer details?
• Have you ever worked in another country other than your home country?

 

Current employment

 

In this part of the interview, you will need to provide details about your current job and your role and responsibilities. You will also be asked some questions about your past employment history.
Common questions include:

 

• Who is your current employer?
• Talk me through your role and responsibilities.
• What is your previous experience? Where did you work before your current job?
• What is your current salary?
• How many employees directly report to you?
• What formal training have you had?

 

Proposed US employment

 

You will always be asked in detail about your proposed employment in the US. Expect to be asked to provide information on the job, your employer, the role and responsibilities and to show supporting information.

Common questions include:

 

• Where are you intending to work? Tell me a bit about the company.
• What is the job role you will be taking up?
• Talk me through the roles and responsibilities of the job in the US.
• Will you be paid by the US company or through a payroll overseas?
• What will your annual salary be?
• Why do you need to be in the US to carry out this role?
• Where will you be living in the US?
• Who will you report to? Will they be US based?
• Will your employer provide an allowance of any kind while you are in the US?
• How long are you planning to stay in the US?
• If the job doesn’t go well or meet your expectations what will you do?

 

Specialism and skills

 

Because of the nature of the visa, the l1b visa questions will assess if your skills and knowledge are sufficiently specialised and are relevant to the role you will be filling in the US.

Common questions include:

 

• What is your specialism and your area of expertise?
• What are your relevant qualifications and work experience?
• What is it about your skills that make them specialised?
• Are the skills specific to your role?
• Are there people in the US with skills similar to yours?
• Why can a US citizen not take up the role you are filling?
• How long have you been working in this industry?
• Have you developed products or tools?
• Do you specialist knowledge relevant to the role?

 

L1B visa supporting documentation

 

It is vital that you have evidence to support the answers you provide in your interview. You should prepare all relevant documentation beforehand and bring this as a dossier with you to refer to during the interview.

L-1B supporting documents generally include:

 

• Your interview appointment letter
• Valid passport and any expired passports
• A photograph that is compliant with the visa photo requirements
• A completed visa application Form DS-160
• The employee copy of Form I-797 that was filed by your employer
• Copy of your I-129 petition, with receipt number
• An up to date copy of your CV
• Income tax records
• 6 months of past bank statements
• A job description showing your current managerial or executive role
• Proof of the employment relationship between you and the petitioning employer
• A job description proving your proposed job qualifies as an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge role
• Proof of your qualifications/professional experience – university degree, professional training certificates or other qualifications
• Evidence that shows you have the minimum service with the organisation – 12 months continuous employment in the last 3 years.
• Detailed information about the company you will be working for in the US – such as an organisational chart
• Letters from past employers to evidence your past professional experience
• The contact information for two referees from previous jobs

 

 

Need assistance?

 

Preparing for your L-1B visa interview is critical to achieving a successful outcome for your application.

Familiarize yourself with the type of questions you are likely to be asked to ensure you can provide complete and accurate answers and present the relevant supporting documentation to support your responses.

NNU Immigration are specialist US immigration attorneys. From our central London base, we support employees and employers from across the globe with L-1 visa petitions, supporting with the eligibility requirements and providing guidance throughout the petitioining process, including interview preparation.

If you have a question about the L-1 visa application process or eligibility requirements, contact us.

 

L1B visa questions FAQs

 

Do you need to interview for an L1B visa?

 

L1B visa applicants are typically required to attend a visa interview.

 

What is the purpose of the L1B visa interview?

 

The purpose of the L1B visa interview is for the consular officer to assess the eligibility of the applicant for the L1B visa, which is for intracompany transferees with specialized knowledge. The interview helps verify the applicant’s qualifications, the legitimacy of the job offer, and the details of the US employer’s operations.

 

What types of questions can I expect during my L1B visa interview?

 

During your L1B visa interview, you can expect questions about your job role, qualifications, and specialized knowledge. Common questions include details about your current job, your job duties in the US, the nature of your specialized knowledge, your employer’s business operations, and how your transfer benefits the US company. The consular officer may also ask about your previous work experience and your educational background.

 

How should I prepare for the L1B visa interview?

 

To prepare for the L1B visa interview, review your petition and supporting documents thoroughly. Be prepared to explain your job duties, your specialized knowledge, and how it applies to the US position. Practice answering questions clearly and concisely, and gather all necessary documentation, including your passport, visa application confirmation, appointment confirmation, and the I-797 approval notice.

 

Will I be asked about my specialized knowledge during the L1B interview?

 

Yes, you will likely be asked about your specialized knowledge during the L1B interview. Be ready to explain what specific skills, techniques, or expertise you possess that are critical to your role in the US company. Provide examples of how your knowledge is specialized and why it is essential for the company’s operations.

 

What documents should I bring to the L1B visa interview?

 

You should bring several key documents to the L1B visa interview, including your valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment confirmation, Form I-797 (Notice of Action), a copy of your L1B petition, employment verification letter, and any supporting documents that prove your specialized knowledge and qualifications. It’s also helpful to have recent pay stubs, tax returns, and an updated resume.

 

How can I demonstrate my specialized knowledge effectively during the interview?

 

To demonstrate your specialized knowledge effectively during the interview, provide specific examples of your work that showcase your unique skills and expertise. Explain how your knowledge is different from or more advanced than that of a regular employee in your field. Be prepared to discuss any specialized training, certifications, or projects that highlight your qualifications.

 

Can I expect questions about my employer during the L1B interview?

 

Yes, you can expect questions about your employer during the L1B interview. The consular officer may ask about the nature of your employer’s business, its operations in the US and abroad, the relationship between the US and foreign offices, and how your transfer fits into the company’s overall strategy. Be knowledgeable about your employer’s business model, products or services, and corporate structure.

 

How should I answer questions about my job duties in the US?

 

When answering questions about your job duties in the US, be clear and concise. Describe your specific responsibilities, how they relate to your specialized knowledge, and how they will contribute to the success of the US office. Highlight any projects or tasks that require your unique skills and explain why they cannot be performed by a regular employee.

 

What should I do if I don’t understand a question during the L1B interview?

 

If you don’t understand a question during the L1B interview, politely ask the consular officer to repeat or clarify the question. It is important to provide accurate and relevant answers, so make sure you fully understand what is being asked before responding. Clear communication is key to a successful interview.

 

How long does the L1B visa interview typically last?

 

The L1B visa interview typically lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, though the duration can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the consular officer’s questions. Be prepared to spend some additional time at the consulate for security screening and waiting before your interview begins.

 

Is L1B visa interview difficult?

 

Applicants are advised to prepare for their L1B visa interview, including gathering and familiarising yourself with your supporting documents.

 

This article does not constitute direct legal advice and is for informational purposes only.