For small and medium-sized enterprises aiming to enter or grow in the US market, the L-1 intracompany transfer visa offers a strategic pathway. This visa allows businesses to bring essential executives, managers, or specialists from abroad to help establish or support US operations without the need for large upfront investment. Here’s what SMEs need to know to make the most of this opportunity.
Expanding Your Team: Bringing Key Personnel to the US
News
22/04/25
Exploring how the L-1 visa can help SMEs expand into the US by transferring key personnel.

What Our
Clients Say
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“As a fast-moving global company, we needed a trusted partner to manage complex visa processes and relocate key players efficiently. Samartin & Friends delivered with speed and precision, ensuring seamless transfers and minimal disruption to our business. Christina’s hands-on support made the entire process pain-free for both our HR team and employees. We’ll be working with Samartin & Friends for years to come.”
Luke S,
Marketing Industry -
“My family and I are very thankful to the team at Samartin and Friends for the successful and timely filing of our applications which included getting my H-1B and L-1A visas approved over the last few years, and then the successful application for my green card. The team has always provided the right solution for my immigration situation and is always ready to answer and any queries”
Amit P,
Manufacturing Industry -
“We have proudly partnered with Samartin and Friends since launching our USA operations, and their support has been invaluable. From assisting with E2 visa processes, L1 applications, and green cards to guiding us through the complexities of a global pandemic, their expertise has made a significant impact and supported our ability to grow quickly in the USA. During often challenging times, they provided exceptional advice and practical solutions for our ex-pat community in the USA. From the very beginning, their deep knowledge of US immigration has stood out.
Anne-Marie B,
Recruitment Industry -
“The service we received was so positive, we now use Samartin and Friends for the wider artists’ team and our employees. Paul and Melissa have been a pleasure to work with, going above and beyond in order to ensure a smooth visa process. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.”
Beth S,
Music Industry -
“Paul and his team at Samartin & Friends were incredibly helpful and resourceful in securing my O1 Visa. They made the process extremely easy for me and took away a lot of the stress involved. As someone who has dealt with many immigration firms, I would definitely recommend Paul and his team as the best I’ve instructed thus far.”
Charlie S,
Music Industry -
“On recommendation of a friend, I engaged the services of Samartin & Friends to manage my L-1 visa application. I was very impressed with Paul’s knowledge of international visa matters and the way his team expertly processed my case which resulted in a speedy and successful outcome!”
Julian H,
Medical Industry -
“I have been working with Samartin & Friends for several years and their excellent support, both with processing O-2 visas and answering any immigration queries is always appreciated. You are guaranteed a fast response, and they manage the whole process with a calm and friendly efficiency.”
Kim P,
Music Industry -
“I have been going to the Samartin family for all of my VISA needs for many years now and I have always found them amazingly thorough and a delight to deal with … they make a potentially stressful process as smooth as can be, and when we’ve had challenging turnaround times and other logistical hurdles, they have always found a solution. Five stars, no hesitation”
Marius D,
Music Industry -
“Samartin and Friends were fantastic to work with when applying for my O1 visa. The whole team was clear, responsive and great to talk to – they made my application the best it could be and I’m very grateful for their expert help.”
Mimi D,
Publishing Industry -
“I worked with Samartin & Friends for the change of employer transfer of my H1B. The team was most excellent at responding to my questions, promptly filing my application and getting the process completed. What stood the most was how quickly they responded to my questions, how clear and actionable their advice was, and how they moved so quickly to match my timeline & needs. 10/10 would recommend”.
Mrinmay K,
Marketing Industry -
“Our main concern was making sure our immigration paperwork was completed correctly, and we wouldn’t miss any steps to ensure as quick of a process as possible. Samartin & Friends provided a very comprehensive and intuitive process for obtaining a green card by marriage. The process was seamless and as efficient as possible in what is not an easy immigration process to navigate alone. Paul’s punctuality and responsiveness is second to none. I would rarely need to wait more than 30 minutes for him to reply to any of my emails. This is of the utmost importance when dealing with any kind of professional help”
Joe M,
Private Client -
“When we approached Paul and his team, our main concern was the time it would take to get a green card for my wife, especially since my employer wanted me to relocate to New York quickly and we had read that the process could take over 18 months! Right from the start, the team were incredibly accommodating and consultative, helping us access an expedited service and find an affordable way to process paperwork while selling our UK house. They worked seamlessly with my wife and me throughout the entire process, ensuring I felt prepared for every embassy appointment. What stood out was their collaborative approach; my ideas were well received, and we truly worked as a team. I highly recommend Paul and his team to anyone needing a reliable green card application through the embassy in London.”
Richard R,
Private Client -
“Working with any embassy to obtain visas can be complex and time consuming. However, since we started to work with Samartin & Friends we have found their process to be streamlined and everyone in the team to be knowledgeable, helpful and responsive. Our ultimate aim of achieving visas for our team has, without fail, always been successful and we have Paul and the team to thank for making this process seamless”
Rebekah F,
Wellness & Lifestyle Industry -
“As a US based recruitment professional I’ve had a lot of interaction with immigration lawyers both for the candidates I place and for my own transition from UK national to US permanent resident. I first worked with Paul in 2020 for my E2, when I changed jobs in 2023 my new employer initially set me up with another UK based attorney however, I didn’t feel as confident in their track record, so requested to use Paul instead. Throughout I always felt he had my best interests in mind, and I could tell he was always 100% genuine in his thoughts and advice, he and the team are always very responsive and without a doubt the best I’ve worked with”
Tom R,
Recruitment Industry