Is there a minimum investment for a founder’s L-1A?

L-1A does not use a universal investment threshold. The case must support the company relationship, qualifying employment and managerial or executive role; a new office also needs credible financial and operational evidence.

Budget for two different purposes

Capital used for payroll, premises and growth should reflect the actual business plan. Immigration spending includes applicable filing charges, professional preparation, any optional premium processing and family procedures. Ask for separate totals so a quoted investment does not appear to purchase approval.

Counsel should confirm current government fees and the scope of any corporate restructuring advice before the founder relies on a total price. There is no investment requirement in this category, so any figure presented as a minimum for a founder's transfer should be questioned as to its source. What a founder does generally need is enough capital for the U.S.

entity to function as a real employer, which is a commercial requirement rather than an immigration threshold and varies entirely with the business. Budget accordingly for two distinct purposes: operating the company, and preparing the case. The second expands where corporate records are incomplete or the foreign employment was never documented, and that is the common position for founders.

Verify government charges against the actual petitioner and filing type, including any supplemental fee whose application depends on the employer's characteristics, rather than relying on a figure quoted for a different arrangement.