Our client, a General Manager of a Chinese company expanding into the United States, faced significant immigration challenges before ultimately achieving L-1 approval with the Law Offices of Sabrina Li.

In the prior filing, the petition was based on an existing U.S. subsidiary in the Bay Area; however, the company’s limited documentation and operational weaknesses raised concerns under USCIS’s strict L-1 eligibility standards.

Through strategic legal planning, careful documentation, and proactive timing solutions, we were able to overcome prior denial and help the client successfully secure L-1 status.

Prior L-1 Denial Due to Weak Supporting Evidence

In November 2023, USCIS denied the client’s initial L-1 petition because the record did not adequately demonstrate that his position with the Chinese parent company met the executive or managerial criteria required for L-1 classification, and it also raised concerns regarding the operational readiness of the U.S. subsidiary. In the prior filing, prior counsel submitted only limited supporting documentation and relied on vague language to describe the client’s job duties abroad.

At the same time, the U.S. company’s supporting evidence was relatively weak. The business plan was only one page and lacked sufficient detail, the commercial lease had already expired, the company employed only three W-2 workers, and the ending bank balance was approximately $7,000, which was not sufficient to support even one payroll period. These factors made it difficult to demonstrate that the U.S. entity had the operational capacity and financial foundation necessary to support a qualifying executive transfer under the L-1 program.

In addition, USCIS issued a Request for Evidence (RFE) specifically questioning both the client’s job duties in China and the operational status of the U.S. company. Unfortunately, prior counsel’s response remained vague and failed to provide the detailed organizational and operational evidence USCIS requires, ultimately resulting in denial.

Rebuilding the L-1 Case After a Prior Denial

Following the denial, the client reached out to the Law Offices of Sabrina Li for assistance in pursuing a new L-1 petition. Because the client had already received an L-1 denial, we anticipated significantly heightened USCIS scrutiny. The prior denial specifically questioned whether his job duties with the Chinese parent company qualified as executive in nature. Since the client continued working for the Chinese company throughout this period, it was essential to present a much clearer, more detailed, and well-supported explanation of his qualifying executive responsibilities abroad.

In addition, after retaining our firm, the Chinese parent company strengthened its U.S. presence by acquiring another U.S. subsidiary located in Irvine, California as part of its long-term expansion strategy. As a result, the new L-1 petition was filed based on a more viable U.S. business platform than the entity involved in the prior denial, further supporting the client’s executive transfer and the company’s continued investment in U.S. operations.

Our legal team conducted multiple in-depth meetings with the client and coordinated closely with the Chinese company through several rounds of document collection, drafting, review, and refinement. We carefully clarified the client’s high-level executive duties, demonstrated his primary involvement in strategic decision-making rather than day-to-day operations, and ensured that the job descriptions, organizational charts, and supporting evidence aligned consistently to address USCIS’s prior concerns. Given the history of denial, every detail was reviewed with particular attention to credibility, consistency, and completeness.

L-1 Petition Approved Within Two Weeks

In March 2025, while the client remained in valid B-2 status pursuant to the approved extension, our firm filed his new L-1 petition in the United States. Due to careful preparation and a strategic, detail-oriented approach, USCIS approved the petition in early April 2025—within approximately two weeks of filing and just before the client’s extended B-2 status was set to expire.

The Law Offices of Sabrina Li: Turning Setbacks into Success

This case highlights the importance of strategic timing, lawful status maintenance, and meticulous evidence preparation, especially after a prior L-1 denial. By successfully extending the client’s B-2 status and rebuilding the L-1 petition with a strong focus on qualifying job duties, the Law Offices of Sabrina Li helped transform a previously denied case into a successful approval.  

If you or your company face challenges with an L-1A petition or extension, don’t lose hope. Contact the Law Offices of Sabrina Li at (213) 375-8096 or email us at info@sabrinali.law. Our experienced team is ready to help you secure, restore, and protect your immigration status.