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At the AILA Central Florida Chapter 2025 Conference, one of the recurring conversations we had with immigration attorneys revolved around L visa renewals—and the topic sparked more questions than answers. As sponsors of the event, we had the chance to exchange insights with seasoned practitioners who agreed on one thing: when it comes to renewals, payroll and staffing can make or break a case.
The consensus among attorneys was clear—L-1A visa renewals are all about showing that the U.S. company has grown into a structure that genuinely supports a managerial or executive role. But many applicants still ask the wrong question: “How many employees do I need to hire?”
The right question, attorneys reminded us, is “Who should I hire?”
An L-1A manager isn’t defined by headcount. It’s about having the right hierarchy in place—people whose roles free the foreign executive from performing day-to-day tasks. The renewal stage is where immigration officers look closely at payroll records, job descriptions, and reporting lines to confirm that the beneficiary is overseeing a team that justifies a managerial or executive classification.
We’ve seen cases where companies added employees without strategy—hiring for the sake of hiring—and still struggled during renewal. The key isn’t numbers; it’s structure. Officers expect to see a functioning business where responsibilities are clearly delegated, operations are sustainable, and the manager truly manages.
At Visa Business Plans, we help attorneys and their clients present a credible staffing framework for L-1A petitions and renewals. From detailed job descriptions to realistic payroll projections, every element of the business plan must align with the visa’s intent—to demonstrate leadership, not labor.
Stay tuned for the next post in our AILA Central Florida Conference series, where we’ll share more insights from top immigration attorneys on what makes or breaks a business visa petition.
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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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