The Hindu Business Line : `US may tighten L1 visa norms'

EVEN as US immigration regulations including work permits are being hotly debated, a New Jersey-based attorney maintains that there is a possibility of bringing certain changes to L1 category visas making it tougher for employers with regard to their salaries.

Mr Harvey Shapiro, a specialist on US Immigration Laws, speaking at a meeting organised by the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries said "like the changes brought about in the H1 visas over the years, soon we may have to factor certain changes from the companies' perspective with regard to L1 visas.

Mr Shapiro said that the immigration authorities in the US have become extremely tough after 9/11 and the scrutiny of applicants is subject to intense checks before granting a particular status. Even with regard to work permits, while there have not been many changes in terms of rules themselves, but the scrutiny process has become lengthier.

However, while emphasising that the process itself has become cumbersome, proper documentation will ensure that justice is done to applicants. While no one can guarantee immigration status or a work permit, if the process itself is approached in the prescribed manner, an applicant is unlikely to fail in his attempt to secure visas.

Referring to L1 non-immigrant visas, Mr Shapiro said that effort is on to make it tougher for employers with regard to what they pay their staff. The flexibility, which the employer currently enjoy, will soon not be available, if some of the changes proposed come into force. The L1 or intra-company transfer is available only for a restricted section.

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