Read the general business expansion overview
An L-1A new-office proposal must support a prospective managerial or executive role within one year of approval. It does not require a completed year of U.S. operations before the initial petition. Separate the Ontario company’s reputation from evidence of the resources and actual role planned for the U.S. operation.
Document the new office's own resources, not the Ontario business's history
Identify secured premises, available funding and staffing for the U.S. operation. The parent’s resources can support this assessment, but reputation alone cannot. A new office has been doing business in the United States for less than one year; initial approval is limited to one year. Establish the qualifying relationship, continuing business in both countries, and the applicant’s continuous full-time managerial or executive foreign year within the relevant three years.
Track changes honestly as the new office actually develops
If the launch proceeds more slowly than planned, or a hire falls through, record the date and reason rather than adjusting the original plan retroactively. A family business used to informal decision-making may need to adopt more careful record-keeping specifically for this filing.
Prepare the extension around the real U.S. operation
Prepare any extension in time to file under the applicable instructions before the current authorized period expires. Document actual operations, staffing and duties rather than waiting until an assumed anniversary to begin. Compare results with the original plan and explain changes candidly; the parent’s success does not substitute for evidence that the U.S. role now qualifies.
What else is on your mind?
Does being a business owner or director qualify me for L-1A?What employment history should an L-1 transfer review cover?What makes a new-office L-1A case different?Why does an L-2 spouse’s admission record matter for work?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.