Am I qualified for L-1 Visa?

You may be qualified for an L-1 visa. In starting a new operation, U.S.C.I.S. would approve you for one year if it is satisfied that you fit all the requirements. After one year, you would have to show signs of growth in order to warrant an extension. The size of your restaurant in Brazil and your percentage ownership of 50% and ownership of a new operation in the U. S. are not negative factors. Current processing at the Vermont service center is approximately 4 months and at the California service center one month. Which service center has jurisdiction depends upon the location of your intended business. If these processing times do not suit you, you can ask U.S.C.I.S. for premium processing in which the agency will reach your case for processing within 15 calendar days upon payment of a premium processing fee of $1225. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.