How to Make Your L1 Visa Business Plan More Convincing?（2）

During the L1 visa application process, immigration officers will closely examine whether the applicant’s role meets the definition of an executive or managerial position. To strengthen the L1 visa business plan, the Personnel Plan section needs to clearly detail the applicant’s role in the U.S. company, their management responsibilities, and how they meet the L1 visa's requirements for a senior executive or manager.

1. Organizational Structure: Demonstrating Hierarchy and Responsibilities

To convince immigration officers that the applicant holds a senior executive or managerial role, the organizational structure in the business plan must clearly illustrate the applicant’s position within the management hierarchy and their responsibilities. This can be shown through an organizational chart or a detailed description, focusing on the following aspects:

• Top-level company structure: Describe the senior management team in the U.S., including the CEO, CFO, department heads, etc., and show where the applicant fits in, as well as which departments or teams they manage.

• Reporting relationships: Show the reporting structure, including the applicant’s supervisors and subordinates, to clarify the decision-making authority and scope of their management.

• Interaction between global and U.S. teams: Explain how the applicant coordinates between the U.S. branch and the parent company.

Example: If the applicant is the Global Vice President of Sales, the business plan should explain that they are responsible for building and executing the U.S. sales strategy, managing the sales team, and reporting directly to the global CEO. Additionally, they have the authority to make strategic decisions on sales strategies and budget allocations in the U.S.

2. Executive Management Duties: Highlighting Key Decision-Making Authority

The L1 visa standards require the applicant to be an executive or manager with significant authority. To meet this requirement, the applicant’s duties must demonstrate their decision-making power and strategic leadership within the company. The following areas should be highlighted:

• Strategic planning and execution: Explain how the applicant is responsible for developing long-term strategies for the U.S. company and ensuring their implementation across departments.

• Departmental management: Provide details on the departments and teams managed by the applicant, including the number of subordinates, departmental functions, and their role in overseeing these teams.

• Budget and financial decision-making: Show the applicant’s control over the company’s budget and financial resources, illustrating their authority to allocate resources and adjust financial priorities.

• Day-to-day operational management: Explain how the applicant oversees the company’s daily operations and ensures smooth coordination between departments.

Example: If the applicant is the Operations Director, the business plan should outline how they monitor each department’s KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), adjust operational processes, and regularly conduct high-level meetings to discuss improvements and explore new market opportunities.

3. Applicant’s Qualifications and Experience: Demonstrating Executive Credentials

To convince immigration officers that the applicant qualifies as a senior executive or manager, the business plan must highlight the applicant’s qualifications and experience. This is crucial to demonstrate their leadership capabilities. The following should be included:

• Previous management experience: Provide detailed descriptions of the applicant’s prior management roles, particularly in the parent company, including the size of the teams managed and their accomplishments.

• Industry experience: Show the applicant’s extensive experience in the company’s industry, emphasizing their contributions to strategic planning, market development, or departmental management.

• Professional achievements: List major achievements from the applicant’s career, such as leading teams to complete major projects, increasing company profits, or successfully entering new markets, all of which enhance the applicant’s credibility.

Example: If the applicant has 20 years of experience in international market expansion, the business plan should highlight how they successfully helped the parent company enter new markets and led teams of hundreds, increasing the company’s market share in specific regions by X%.

4. Future Role as an Executive: Demonstrating the Applicant’s Long-Term Impact on the U.S. Company

To convince immigration officers that the applicant’s role in the U.S. is critical, the business plan should also outline the applicant’s long-term plans and their strategic impact on the company’s future growth. This can be illustrated by:

• Five-year company development plan: Show how the applicant will lead the company in achieving specific business goals, such as market expansion, product innovation, etc.

• Team-building plan: Explain how the applicant will recruit and train U.S.-based executives and employees, ensuring long-term sustainability in the U.S. market.

• Business expansion strategy: Detail how the applicant will drive the development of new markets, expand the customer base, and secure the company’s competitive edge.

Example: The business plan can describe how the applicant will lead the U.S. branch’s strategic expansion, launch new product lines, and increase the company’s market share in a particular industry. Additionally, they plan to hire and develop a local executive team to ensure long-term growth.