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If you’ve recently launched a business in the U.S. under an L visa, you’ve probably noticed something a little nerve-wracking about your approval notice: new office petitions are typically approved for only one year.
That year goes by fast. Before you know it, it’s time to renew your visa—and unlike some people assume, renewal is not guaranteed. The U.S. government will take a close look at your company’s performance during that first year to decide whether to extend your stay.
Let’s break down what a new office petition is, why the renewal process can be challenging, and how to strengthen your case when it’s time to file again.
What Is a New Office Petition?
An L visa new office petition is filed when a foreign company sends an executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee to the U.S. to establish a new branch, subsidiary, or affiliate.
Because the business is new and hasn’t yet demonstrated its success, U.S. immigration authorities typically grant only one year for the initial petition. This gives the company time to get the office up and running and prove it’s a viable operation.
Once that year ends, the company must renew the petition—and show real evidence of visa compliance.
Why Renewal Isn’t Automatic
For renewals, the government looks beyond good intentions. Officers will review how closely the business followed its original plan and whether it developed into a functioning enterprise.
They’ll look at:
Operational activity
Revenue and expenses
Job creation
Office space
Business sustainability
That’s why careful, early preparation is essential. Below are key steps that can make a meaningful difference in your renewal outcome.
1. Start Early
Many companies underestimate how quickly the first year passes. Waiting until the last minute is one of the most common mistakes applicants make.
Starting early gives you time to organize your documents, strengthen any weak areas, and present a clear narrative of your company’s progress. Our team works closely with clients to help them track their performance throughout the year so they’re not scrambling when the renewal deadline arrives.
2. Keep Impeccable Financial Records
Your financials are at the center of your renewal. Clear and well-organized records show that your business is active, structured, and on the right track. In contrast, poor or incomplete bookkeeping can create unnecessary obstacles.
We provide immigration-focused bookkeeping services designed to help business owners keep clean, accurate records that support their visa goals. Having your financial information organized not only strengthens your case but also makes your immigration attorney’s job much easier, since they can rely on solid documentation to support your renewal.
3. Use Your Business Plan as a Roadmap
The business plan you submitted with your initial petition isn’t just a formality. When you renew, the government will compare your performance to what was promised in your business plan.
This is why ongoing monitoring matters. We offer business plan monitoring services to help clients stay aligned with their projections and make strategic adjustments throughout the year. This proactive approach can make your renewal case much stronger.
4. Update Your Business Plan if Needed
Businesses evolve. Maybe you discovered a new opportunity, changed your structure, adjusted your strategy, or simply didn’t meet every initial projection. In those cases, updating your business plan is not just helpful—it’s smart.
We’re seeing a growing trend of consulates requesting updated business plans at renewal, even when companies are performing well. Their reasoning is clear: past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
If you’re not sure whether your business plan needs to be updated, speak with your immigration attorney to get their input. In many cases, they will recommend an updated plan to strengthen your case. Our team assists clients in preparing revised business plans that reflect current operations and future goals, making the renewal process smoother and more strategic.
Final Thoughts
That first year after obtaining an L visa for a new office goes by quickly, and the renewal process can feel daunting. But with early preparation, solid financial records, active business monitoring, and an updated business plan when needed, you can significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome.
We support business owners in each of these key areas so they can focus on growing their companies while putting forward a strong, well-documented renewal case.
Contact us today to get started
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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