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Maximizing Flexibility: How L Visa Companies Can Optimize Salary Payments from Foreign Entities in the U.S.

Maximizing Flexibility: How L Visa Companies Can Optimize Salary Payments from Foreign Entities in the U.S.

Embarking on an international career can be an exciting prospect, especially when considering opportunities in the United States. For individuals holding an L visa, commonly used for intracompany transfers, a unique advantage arises – the flexibility to have their salary paid by the foreign entity rather than the U.S. entity. This unconventional approach opens new avenues for financial optimization and strategic planning. Let's delve into the possibilities and explore why L visa holders absolutely can take advantage of this alternative payment structure.

The L Visa Advantage: The L visa, designed for intracompany transferees, allows individuals to work in the U.S. for a related company after having been employed abroad. Traditionally, salaries for L visa holders are paid by the U.S. entity. However, an intriguing option exists for these visa holders – the ability to have their salary paid by the foreign entity.

Why It Works

1. Global Compensation Strategies: Opting to have your salary paid by the foreign entity aligns with global compensation strategies. This approach allows for consistency in payroll management, ensuring that the individual continues to receive compensation from the entity they were initially associated with.

2. Tax Efficiency: Structuring salary payments from the foreign entity may offer tax benefits. Exploring tax efficiency in this manner requires careful consideration of the tax laws both in the home country and the U.S., making it essential to seek professional advice.

3. Financial Planning Opportunities: Having the flexibility to receive a salary from the foreign entity provides opportunities for strategic financial planning. It enables individuals to manage their income in a way that aligns with their financial goals and may contribute to optimizing their overall financial portfolio.

4. Mitigating Currency Risks: For individuals concerned about currency fluctuations, having their salary paid by the foreign entity can serve as a safeguard. This approach minimizes exposure to exchange rate volatility.

5. Lower financial burden: Having the foreign entity pay the salary of the L beneficiary lowers the financial burden on the U.S. entity.

Compliance Considerations

While the option of having salary paid by the foreign entity brings notable advantages, it is crucial to navigate compliance requirements diligently. Adhering to U.S. labor laws, tax regulations, and visa stipulations is imperative to ensure a seamless and lawful transition.

For L visa holders exploring international career opportunities, the flexibility to have their salary paid by the foreign entity presents a unique advantage. This alternative payment structure aligns with global compensation strategies, offers tax efficiency, and provides opportunities for strategic financial planning. As individuals consider the best approach for their specific circumstances, it is vital to engage with professionals well-versed in immigration, tax, and employment laws to make informed decisions. By understanding and harnessing the flexibility within the L visa framework, individuals can embark on their professional path in the U.S. with confidence and financial foresight.


The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.


Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.

Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.

At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.


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