从中国到美国开设公司：办理L-1A跨国公司经理签证、L-1A延期与EB-1C绿卡全攻略——中美公司资质、所需材料与注意事项 Expanding from China to the U.S.: The Complete Guide to L-1A New Office, L-1A Extension, and EB-1C Green Card — Company Requirements, Documents, and Key Pitfalls
一句话核心总结（TL;DR）：中国企业主通过"中国成熟运营公司 → 美国子公司/关联公司 → L-1A New Office → L-1A Extension → EB-1C I-140 → 移民签证或I-485"路线移民美国，最关键的不是把美国公司注册出来，而是从一开始就把股权控制关系（ownership + control）、经理职务、第一年的实际经营和员工结构设计对。New Office L-1A首次批准最长只有1年，一年后延期和EB-1C的审查标准会明显提高——延期失败最常见的原因是老板仍在"自己干活"。EB-1C不需要先持L-1A若干年，但美国公司提交I-140时必须已经doing business满1年，且必须证明当下已经存在真正的经理/高管职位，不再有创业期宽容。法律没有最低投资额或最低员工数的固定门槛，但投资、员工与business plan必须匹配且一年后能兑现。
TL;DR (English): For Chinese business owners pursuing the path "established China company → U.S. subsidiary/affiliate → L-1A New Office → L-1A Extension → EB-1C I-140 → immigrant visa or I-485," the critical step is not merely registering a U.S. company — it is designing ownership and control, the managerial role, first-year operations, and staffing correctly from day one. A New Office L-1A is initially approved for a maximum of one year, and the standard rises sharply at extension and EB-1C — the most common reason extensions fail is that the owner is still "doing the work" himself. EB-1C does not require holding L-1A for several years first, but the U.S. employer must have been doing business for at least one year when the I-140 is filed, and must prove that a genuine managerial/executive position exists at the time of filing, with no startup leniency. There is no fixed minimum investment or headcount, but the investment, staffing, and business plan must align and be achievable within a year.
新未名律所立足美国首都华盛顿地区，长期为大华府DMV地区、马里兰(Maryland)、弗吉尼亚(Virginia)及全美的华人企业家、留学生、博士后及高科技/科研人员办理跨国公司签证和职业移民。很多中国企业主希望在美国开设公司，通过L-1A跨国公司经理签证来美，再通过EB-1C跨国公司高管绿卡取得永久居留。作为靠谱华人移民律师团队，我们在本文中系统解析：中国和美国公司分别需要什么资质、需要哪些材料、有哪些常见陷阱，以及美国公司尚未开设时个人可以做什么。
New Weiming Law Group is based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and has long represented Chinese entrepreneurs, international students, postdocs, and STEM professionals in the DMV region, Maryland, Virginia, and nationwide in multinational-company visas and employment-based immigration. Many Chinese business owners want to open a U.S. company, come to the U.S. on an L-1A intracompany manager/executive visa, and later obtain permanent residence through the EB-1C multinational manager/executive green card. As experienced, reliable immigration attorneys, we explain what qualifications the Chinese and U.S. companies each need, what documents are required, common pitfalls, and what an individual can do before the U.S. company is formed.
🗺️ 典型路线图 / Typical Roadmap
- 中国成熟运营公司
An established, operating company in China - → 在美国设立子公司/关联公司
→ Form a U.S. subsidiary or affiliate - → L-1A New Office（新办公室）
→ L-1A New Office petition - → 第一年把美国公司真正做起来
→ Genuinely build the U.S. business in year one - → L-1A Extension（延期）
→ L-1A Extension - → 条件成熟后EB-1C I-140
→ EB-1C I-140 once the organization is mature - → 移民签证或I-485身份调整
→ Immigrant visa (consular processing) or I-485 adjustment of status
💡 关键提示：USCIS对New Office L-1A的初次申请，相对允许创业期经理亲自做一些日常工作；但到一年后的延期，以及以后的EB-1C，审查标准会明显提高。
Key point: For an initial New Office L-1A, USCIS allows a startup-stage manager to perform some day-to-day tasks. At the one-year extension, and later at EB-1C, the standard of review rises significantly.
1. 办L-1A，中国公司需要具备什么条件？
What Qualifications Must the Chinese Company Have for an L-1A?
法律上没有"必须营业额多少、必须多少员工、必须注册多少年、必须盈利多少"的固定门槛，但必须满足两个实质条件。
The law sets no fixed thresholds for revenue, headcount, years in operation, or profitability. However, two substantive requirements must be met.
条件一：中国公司必须是真实、持续经营的企业
Requirement 1: The Chinese company must be a genuine, ongoing business
USCIS所谓"doing business"，是指持续、规律、系统地提供商品或服务，不是仅仅有一张营业执照或者一个空壳公司。L-1A期间，中国公司原则上要继续经营；不能经理去了美国以后，中国公司实际上停业，只保留营业执照。USCIS要求qualifying organization在美国和至少一个其他国家持续经营。
USCIS defines "doing business" as the regular, systematic, and continuous provision of goods or services — not merely holding a business license or maintaining a shell company. During the L-1A period, the Chinese company generally must keep operating; it cannot effectively shut down once the manager leaves for the U.S. while keeping only its license. USCIS requires the qualifying organization to continue doing business in the U.S. and in at least one other country.
📁 中国公司常用证明材料 / Common Evidence for the Chinese Company
- 营业执照、公司章程
Business license and articles of association - 股东/股权资料
Shareholder and equity records - 公司银行流水
Company bank statements - 企业所得税、增值税等申报材料
Corporate income tax and VAT filings - 审计报告或财务报表
Audit reports or financial statements - 客户合同、采购合同、发票
Customer contracts, purchase contracts, and invoices - 办公场所
Office premises - 员工名册、工资记录、社保记录
Employee roster, payroll records, and social insurance records - 公司组织结构图
Company organizational chart - 业务宣传、网站、产品资料等
Marketing materials, website, product literature, etc.
条件二：申请人过去3年内须在海外公司以经理/高管身份连续工作至少1年
Requirement 2: The applicant must have worked abroad for at least one continuous year within the past three years in a managerial or executive capacity
L-1A申请人本人必须在过去3年内，为这个中国公司或相关qualifying organization连续工作至少1年。而且做New Office L-1A时，这一年在中国的工作必须是managerial or executive capacity，不能只是普通技术人员或销售人员，USCIS对此要求很明确。
The L-1A applicant must have worked for the Chinese company or a related qualifying organization for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the petition. For a New Office L-1A, that year of work in China must be in a managerial or executive capacity — not as an ordinary technician or salesperson. USCIS is explicit on this point.
📁 申请人中国工作证据 / Evidence of the Applicant's Work in China
- 劳动合同、工资记录、个税、社保
Employment contract, payroll, individual income tax, and social insurance records - 任命书、名片、email
Letters of appointment, business cards, and emails - 组织结构图
Organizational chart - 下属员工资料，以及下属学历、职位及职责
Subordinate employee records, including their degrees, titles, and duties - 本人的具体职责
The applicant's specific job duties - 董事会/管理层决策文件等
Board or management decision documents, etc.
⚠️ 仅仅写"Mr. X is General Manager and responsible for management of the company."远远不够。要证明他实际上是在管理人员或者管理一个重要职能，而不是自己每天做具体业务。
Simply stating "Mr. X is General Manager and responsible for management of the company" is far from sufficient. The evidence must show that he actually manages people or an essential function, rather than personally performing the day-to-day work.
2. 中国公司和美国公司之间必须有什么关系？如何设计股权？
What Relationship Must Exist Between the Chinese and U.S. Companies? How Should Ownership Be Structured?
这是整个L-1A/EB-1C架构最先要设计好的地方。两家公司必须属于parent（母公司）/ subsidiary（子公司）/ affiliate（关联公司）/ branch（分支机构）之一，判断的核心是两个概念：ownership + control（所有权 + 控制权）。
This is the first thing to design in any L-1A/EB-1C structure. The two companies must be a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch of each other. The analysis turns on two concepts: ownership + control.
🔗 USCIS法规认可的qualifying relationship示例 / Examples of Qualifying Relationships Under USCIS Regulations
- 中国公司持有美国公司超过50%并控制美国公司
The Chinese company owns more than 50% of the U.S. company and controls it - 持有50%并实际控制
Owns 50% and exercises actual control - 50/50 joint venture，但有equal control and veto power
A 50/50 joint venture with equal control and veto power - 在某些情况下持股不到50%，但能够证明实际控制
In certain cases, owns less than 50% but can prove actual control - 两家公司由同一人拥有并控制
Both companies are owned and controlled by the same individual - 两家公司由同一组股东按大致相同比例拥有和控制
Both companies are owned and controlled by the same group of shareholders in approximately the same proportions
| 股权结构 / Ownership Structure | 评估 / Assessment |
|---|---|
| China Company 100% → U.S. Subsidiary | ✅ 最干净的结构，通常最容易证明 The cleanest structure; usually the easiest to prove |
| Mr. Wang 100% owns China Company Mr. Wang 100% owns U.S. Company |
✅ 可能构成affiliate（同一人拥有和控制） May qualify as affiliates (same owner and controller) |
| 中国公司：A 60%、B 40% 美国公司：申请人个人100% China Co.: A 60%, B 40% / U.S. Co.: Applicant 100% |
⚠️ 不能简单说"两边老板认识，所以是affiliate" Cannot simply claim affiliate status because the owners know each other |
💡 美国公司注册之前，第一件事不是选LLC还是Corporation，而是先设计股权。一旦注册错了，后面再改股权，会产生更多corporate、tax和immigration documentation问题。
Before registering the U.S. company, the first decision is not LLC versus corporation — it is the ownership design. If the entity is formed incorrectly, later restructuring the equity creates additional corporate, tax, and immigration documentation problems.
3. 初次申请New Office L-1A时，美国公司需要做到什么程度？
How Far Along Must the U.S. Company Be for the Initial New Office L-1A?
"New Office"不是说公司还不存在，先批准L-1A再来美国注册。实际操作中，提交I-129 L-1A时通常美国实体已经设立，并且已经完成了相当一部分开业准备。USCIS要求New Office L-1A证明：
"New Office" does not mean the company doesn't exist yet and can be registered after L-1A approval. In practice, when the I-129 L-1A is filed, the U.S. entity is usually already formed and has completed a substantial portion of its launch preparations. USCIS requires a New Office L-1A to demonstrate:
- 已经取得适合该业务的sufficient physical premises（足够的实际经营场所）
Sufficient physical premises appropriate for the business have been secured - 美国公司的业务性质、范围、组织结构和财务目标
The nature, scope, organizational structure, and financial goals of the U.S. company - 美国投资金额
The amount of investment in the U.S. - 中国公司有财务能力支持美国公司和申请人
The Chinese company's financial ability to support the U.S. company and the applicant - 中国公司的组织结构
The organizational structure of the Chinese company - 最重要的是：在批准后一年内，美国公司有能力支持一个真正的managerial/executive position
Most importantly: within one year of approval, the U.S. company will be able to support a genuine managerial or executive position
📁 美国公司通常准备的材料 / Typical U.S. Company Documents
- Articles of Incorporation / Organization（公司注册文件）
Articles of Incorporation or Organization - EIN（联邦税号）
Employer Identification Number - Bylaws / Operating Agreement（公司章程/经营协议）
Bylaws or operating agreement - Stock / Membership Certificates、Stock Ledger（股权证书、股东名册）
Stock or membership certificates and stock ledger - Board Resolutions（董事会决议）
Board resolutions - 美国银行账户及中国公司的资金汇入记录
U.S. bank account and records of funds transferred from the Chinese company - Office Lease（办公室租约）
Office lease - Business License（如行业需要）
Business license, if required by the industry - Business Plan与市场调查
Business plan and market research - Proposed Organizational Chart与Hiring Plan（拟定组织结构图与招聘计划）
Proposed organizational chart and hiring plan
💰 投资金额：法规本身没有规定"必须投资$100,000"或者"必须投资$500,000"，没有固定最低投资额，但投资必须和business plan匹配。例如开一家management consulting firm，$100K可能足够；如果声称要在美国建立制造和仓储中心，却只注资$30K，可信度就会明显不足。
Investment amount: The regulations do not require "$100,000" or "$500,000." There is no fixed minimum investment, but the investment must match the business plan. For a management consulting firm, $100K may be sufficient; but claiming to build a U.S. manufacturing and warehousing center with only $30K in capital would seriously undermine credibility.
4. New Office L-1A首次批准多长时间？L-1A最长可以待多久？
How Long Is the Initial New Office L-1A Approval? What Is the Maximum L-1A Stay?
| 阶段 / Stage | 期限 / Duration |
|---|---|
| New Office L-1A首次批准 Initial New Office L-1A |
最长1年 Up to 1 year |
| L-1A Extension（每次） Each L-1A extension |
最长2年 Up to 2 years |
| L-1A累计在美停留 Total L-1A stay |
一般最多7年 Generally up to 7 years |
一年以后，要按照普通经营公司的标准证明美国公司已经真正建立起来。所以这第一年其实是整个案件最关键的一年。L-1A同时允许双重意图（Dual Intent），持L-1A期间可以合法推进EB-1C等绿卡申请。
After one year, the U.S. company must prove it has genuinely been established, under the same standard applied to an ordinary operating business. That makes the first year the single most critical year of the entire case. L-1A also permits Dual Intent, so an L-1A holder can lawfully pursue a green card such as EB-1C.
5. 一年以后申请L-1A延期，需要提供什么？
What Is Required for the L-1A New Office Extension After One Year?
USCIS明确要求New Office extension证明以下事项；USCIS列举的资料包括公司资本、银行流水、P&L、会计报告和tax returns等：
USCIS explicitly requires a New Office extension to establish the following; its listed evidence includes company capitalization, bank statements, P&L statements, accountant reports, and tax returns:
- 中国和美国公司仍然存在qualifying relationship
The qualifying relationship between the Chinese and U.S. companies still exists - 美国公司过去一年确实在doing business
The U.S. company has actually been doing business over the past year - 申请人过去一年实际做了什么，以及下一阶段将做什么
What the applicant actually did over the past year, and what he will do next - 美国公司的员工人数和职位，以及工资记录
The U.S. company's headcount and positions, plus payroll records - 美国公司的财务状况
The U.S. company's financial status
| 类别 / Category | 实务常备材料 / Commonly Prepared Documents |
|---|---|
| 美国公司经营证据 U.S. business operations |
Federal corporate tax return、Form 941、W-2/W-3、payroll reports、bank statements、P&L、balance sheet、invoices、customer contracts、lease等 Federal corporate tax return, Form 941, W-2/W-3, payroll reports, bank statements, P&L, balance sheet, invoices, customer contracts, lease, etc. |
| 员工证据 Employees |
employment agreements、payroll、W-2、employee resumes/degrees、job descriptions、organizational chart Employment agreements, payroll, W-2s, employee resumes and degrees, job descriptions, organizational chart |
| 申请人工作证据 Applicant's duties |
职责按百分比拆分，并说明日常工作由谁执行（见下表） Duties broken down by percentage, plus who performs the day-to-day work (see below) |
📊 申请人职责百分比示例 / Sample Duty Breakdown by Percentage
| 职责 / Duty | 比例 / % |
|---|---|
| 战略规划 / Strategic planning | 25% |
| 人员/部门管理 / Personnel and department management | 25% |
| 预算与财务监督 / Budget and financial oversight | 15% |
| 重大合同审批 / Major contract approval | 15% |
| 业务拓展战略 / Business development strategy | 10% |
| 公司政策及与中国总部协调 / Corporate policy and coordination with China HQ | 10% |
同时说明：具体销售、记账、customer service、shipping、IT support等是谁在做。
Also explain who performs the hands-on sales, bookkeeping, customer service, shipping, and IT support.
6. L-1A延期最常见的失败原因是什么？
What Is the Most Common Reason L-1A Extensions Fail?
最常见的问题是：老板其实还是"自己干活"。第一年USCIS允许manager/executive在创业阶段更多参与day-to-day activities，但法规的逻辑是：一年以后，公司应该已经发展到足以让他主要从事管理。
The most common problem: the owner is still "doing the work" himself. In the first year, USCIS allows a manager or executive to be more involved in day-to-day activities during the startup phase. But the regulatory logic is that after one year, the company should have grown enough for him to be primarily engaged in management.
🚩 典型风险画像：CEO本人每天… / Red-Flag Profile: The CEO Personally, Every Day…
- 接客户电话、做quotation（报价）
Answers customer calls and prepares quotations - 打包发货
Packs and ships orders - 开发网页、做accounting
Builds the website and does the accounting - 自己销售、自己采购
Handles sales and purchasing himself - 下面只有一个administrative assistant
Has only one administrative assistant below him
即使职位叫"President"，也很难证明主要是executive/manager，很容易引来RFE或拒签。
Even with the title "President," it is very hard to show the role is primarily executive or managerial — this often triggers an RFE or denial.
⚠️ USCIS近年的AAO决定再次强调：如果第一年结束后企业仍没有足够staff把经理从operational duties中解放出来，不能再要求给它"又一年New Office时间"。所以，不要等到第10个月准备L-1延期时才开始招人。从L-1A批准第一天开始，就要想着一年以后证据长什么样。
Recent AAO decisions reiterate: if, after the first year, the business still lacks enough staff to relieve the manager from operational duties, it cannot ask for "another year of New Office time." So don't wait until month 10, when preparing the extension, to start hiring. From the first day of L-1A approval, think about what your evidence will look like a year later.
7. L-1A美国公司是不是一定要雇很多人？可以外包吗？
Must the U.S. Company Hire Many Employees? Can Work Be Outsourced?
没有固定要求"必须5个人"或者"必须10个人"，公司规模不能单独决定案件。有些企业可以把bookkeeping、warehouse、logistics、HR、IT、marketing外包给contractors。USCIS也承认，business不一定必须直接雇佣所有执行日常工作的人员，outsourcing可以考虑。
There is no fixed requirement of "5 employees" or "10 employees," and company size alone does not decide the case. Some businesses can outsource bookkeeping, warehousing, logistics, HR, IT, and marketing to contractors. USCIS acknowledges that a business need not directly employ everyone performing day-to-day work; outsourcing may be considered.
🎯 但必须能够回答：如果申请人不做这些实际工作，到底是谁在做？并有合同、invoice、payroll、employee records等证明。
But you must be able to answer: if the applicant isn't doing the hands-on work, who is? — and back it up with contracts, invoices, payroll, and employee records.
8. EB-1C什么时候可以开始申请？必须先持L-1A几年吗？
When Can the EB-1C Be Filed? Must You Hold L-1A for Several Years First?
不需要先持L-1A两年、三年才有资格申请EB-1C，L-1A甚至不是EB-1C的法定前置条件。但EB-1C有一个非常重要的要求：美国公司petitioning employer在提交I-140时必须已经在美国doing business至少1年。USCIS官方说明还要求：
You do not need to hold L-1A for two or three years before qualifying for EB-1C — L-1A is not even a legal prerequisite for EB-1C. But EB-1C has one critical requirement: the U.S. petitioning employer must have been doing business in the U.S. for at least one year when the I-140 is filed. USCIS guidance also requires:
- 美国雇主与海外雇主有qualifying relationship
A qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign employers - 申请人在相关3年期间，在海外qualifying organization主要以manager/executive身份工作至少一年
The applicant worked abroad for the qualifying organization for at least one year within the relevant three-year period, primarily as a manager or executive - 美国工作也是主要managerial/executive
The U.S. job is also primarily managerial or executive - 美国雇主提供permanent job offer
The U.S. employer offers a permanent job - 不需要PERM labor certification
No PERM labor certification is required
⏱️ 典型时间线 / Typical Timeline
| 时间 / Timing | 事项 / Milestone |
|---|---|
| Month 0 | 成立美国公司、准备New Office L-1A Form the U.S. company and prepare the New Office L-1A |
| Month 1–12 | 建立实际经营、招聘、客户和营业收入 Build real operations, hire staff, acquire customers, generate revenue |
| 约Month 10–12 ~Month 10–12 |
准备L-1A extension Prepare the L-1A extension |
| doing business满1年后 After 1+ year of doing business |
如果组织结构已经成熟，可以考虑EB-1C I-140 If the organization is mature, consider filing the EB-1C I-140 |
⚠️ "公司已经开了一年"只是最低门槛，不代表一定应该立即EB-1C。如果一年以后公司仍然只有申请人+1名员工、很少营业收入、经理仍然大量自己做sales和operations，宁可先把L-1A extension做好，让公司再发展一段时间，也不要为了赶EB-1C匆忙提交。
"The company has been open for a year" is only the minimum threshold — it does not mean you should file EB-1C immediately. If after one year the company still has only the applicant plus one employee, little revenue, and a manager still heavily doing sales and operations, it is better to secure the L-1A extension first and let the company grow further than to rush an EB-1C filing.
9. EB-1C比New Office L-1A更难在哪里？
Why Is EB-1C Harder Than a New Office L-1A?
因为EB-1C没有New Office的创业宽容期。提交I-140那一天，就要证明现在已经存在一个真正的managerial/executive position，而不是"再给我们一年，我们以后会雇5个人"。USCIS要求eligibility at the time of filing（递交时即须符合条件）。
Because EB-1C has no New Office startup leniency. On the day the I-140 is filed, you must prove that a genuine managerial or executive position already exists — not "give us another year and we'll hire five people." USCIS requires eligibility at the time of filing.
🔍 USCIS会重新审查 / USCIS Will Re-Examine
- 中国职位：是不是manager/executive？
China position: managerial or executive? - 美国职位：是不是manager/executive？
U.S. position: managerial or executive? - 两家公司：qualifying relationship是否还存在？
Both companies: does the qualifying relationship still exist? - 中国公司：是否仍然doing business？
Chinese company: still doing business? - 美国公司：是否已经doing business ≥ 1 year？
U.S. company: doing business for at least one year?
过去批准了L-1A并不等于EB-1C自动批准。USCIS明确指出，EB-1C申请不能仅仅依赖以前的L-1 approval来证明qualifying relationship等条件。
A prior L-1A approval does not mean EB-1C will be approved automatically. USCIS has made clear that an EB-1C petition cannot rely solely on a previous L-1 approval to establish the qualifying relationship or other requirements.
10. EB-1C通常需要哪些材料？
What Documents Are Typically Required for EB-1C?
除了重复L-1A材料之外，EB-1C需要特别加强以下证据：
In addition to the L-1A documents, EB-1C requires strengthened evidence in the following areas:
| 中国公司 / Chinese Company | 美国公司 / U.S. Company |
|---|---|
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🎯 对于EB-1C，USCIS特别关注实际staffing，而不仅仅是planned staffing。
For EB-1C, USCIS focuses on actual staffing — not merely planned staffing.
11. 美国公司尚未成立，人还在中国，现在可以做什么？
The U.S. Company Isn't Formed Yet and I'm Still in China — What Can I Do Now?
其实能做很多，而且最好现在就开始做。人在中国不需要美国工作签证，就可以作为外国投资人/外国公司的管理人员做美国公司设立准备。外国人不需要先有美国签证才能拥有一家美国公司。
Quite a lot — and it's best to start now. While in China, you don't need a U.S. work visa to prepare the U.S. company as a foreign investor or as a manager of the foreign company. A foreign national does not need a U.S. visa to own a U.S. company.
✅ 人在中国可以做的事 / What You Can Do from China
- 决定州和entity type（公司类型）
Choose the state and entity type - 设计股权结构
Design the ownership structure - 注册Corporation/LLC，appoint registered agent
Register the corporation or LLC and appoint a registered agent - obtain EIN（申请联邦税号）
Obtain an EIN - 办银行账户（具体开户要求看银行）
Open a bank account (requirements vary by bank) - 从中国公司注资
Capitalize the U.S. company from the Chinese company - 找办公室、谈lease
Find an office and negotiate the lease - 找CPA、payroll company、供应商
Engage a CPA, a payroll company, and suppliers - 谈客户、签合同
Negotiate with customers and sign contracts - 做business plan和market research
Prepare the business plan and market research
12. 持B-1/B-2来美国筹备公司，可以做什么、不能做什么？
Coming to the U.S. on B-1/B-2 to Prepare the Company — What Is and Isn't Allowed?
这个也可以，但边界要非常小心。DOS目前明确允许B-1 visitor从事不涉及美国employment的commercial transactions、negotiate contracts、consult with business associates、参加business meetings，以及以investor身份寻求在美国投资。但B-1不能用来实际在美国就业或者进行productive employment。
This is possible, but the boundaries require great care. The Department of State currently permits B-1 visitors to engage in commercial transactions not involving U.S. employment, negotiate contracts, consult with business associates, attend business meetings, and act as investors seeking investment in the U.S. But B-1 cannot be used for actual U.S. employment or productive work.
| ✅ 一般可以 / Generally Permitted | ❌ 不应该 / Should Not |
|---|---|
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⚠️ 成立公司/投资公司 ≠ 获得为该公司工作的授权。美国公司的日常经营应由有合法工作身份的人处理，直到L-1A生效。
Forming or investing in a company ≠ authorization to work for it. Day-to-day U.S. operations should be handled by people with valid work authorization until the L-1A takes effect.
13. 办L-1A和EB-1C需要提前注意哪些坑？
What Pitfalls Should You Watch for in L-1A and EB-1C Cases?
从案件设计阶段介入，特别要盯住下面八个方面：
Get involved at the case-design stage and watch these eight areas closely:
第一：ownership不要先注册错了再来问L-1
1. Don't register the wrong ownership and then ask about L-1
中国公司的股东和美国公司的股东结构必须能形成parent/subsidiary/affiliate。
The shareholder structures of the Chinese and U.S. companies must form a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate relationship.
第二：中国公司不能在老板赴美以后就停止实质经营
2. The Chinese company must not stop operating once the owner leaves
L-1和EB-1C都依赖真正的multinational organization。
Both L-1 and EB-1C depend on a genuine multinational organization.
第三：不要把"投资多少钱"当成L-1A核心
3. Don't treat the investment amount as the core of L-1A
投资额重要，但真正决定延期和EB-1C的往往是：business activity + staff + managerial role。
Investment matters, but what usually decides the extension and EB-1C is business activity + staff + managerial role.
第四：第一年不要为了省钱不招人
4. Don't skip hiring in year one to save money
这往往是New Office L-1A最大的错误。
This is often the single biggest mistake in New Office L-1A cases.
第五：所有business plan一定要能够在一年以后兑现
5. Every business plan must be achievable within a year
如果申请时写"Year 1: 8 employees, $1.5M sales"，结果一年以后只有"1 employee, $80K revenue"，extension会很难解释。宁可business plan合理保守，也不要为了初次批准把数字写得漂亮。
If the petition projects "Year 1: 8 employees, $1.5M sales" and a year later the company has "1 employee, $80K revenue," the extension will be very hard to explain. A reasonably conservative plan is better than inflated numbers aimed at the initial approval.
第六：中美两边组织结构要一致
6. Organizational structures must be consistent across both sides
Business plan、I-129、support letter、organization chart、tax records、payroll、website、LinkedIn，最好不要互相打架。
The business plan, I-129, support letter, organizational chart, tax records, payroll, website, and LinkedIn profiles should not contradict one another.
第七：申请人不能既说Executive，又列一堆基层工作
7. Don't claim "Executive" while listing a pile of front-line tasks
USCIS现在很关注实际职责，而不是title。Functional manager也可以，但需要证明管理的是明确且essential的function，而且主要是manage the function，而不是perform the function。
USCIS now focuses on actual duties, not titles. A functional manager can qualify, but you must show the function is clearly defined and essential, and that the applicant primarily manages the function rather than performs it.
第八：考虑中国ODI/外汇问题
8. Consider China ODI and foreign-exchange compliance
如果是中国公司直接投资美国子公司，可能涉及中国的境外投资备案/审批、银行外汇和资金出境要求。这是中国公司法/外汇合规问题，不是L-1A本身，但最好在注册美国公司和设计capitalization之前就和中国方面的公司/外汇专业人员确认。
If a Chinese company directly invests in a U.S. subsidiary, China's outbound direct investment (ODI) filing or approval, bank foreign-exchange rules, and capital-outflow requirements may apply. This is a Chinese corporate/FX compliance matter rather than an L-1A issue itself, but it should be confirmed with Chinese corporate/FX professionals before registering the U.S. company and designing its capitalization.
14. 如何分三个阶段设计L-1A到EB-1C的整体方案？
How Should the L-1A-to-EB-1C Strategy Be Designed in Three Stages?
设计这个案子，要分成三个阶段，而不是只想着"先把L-1A批下来"。
Design the case in three stages rather than focusing only on "getting the L-1A approved first."
Stage 1 — New Office L-1A之前 / Before the New Office L-1A
中国公司够不够成熟？申请人过去一年到底是不是manager/executive？中美股权应该怎么设计？美国开什么业务？需要多少初始资金？第一年的员工结构是什么？然后才成立美国公司。
Is the Chinese company mature enough? Was the applicant truly a manager or executive over the past year? How should U.S.–China ownership be structured? What business will the U.S. company run? How much initial capital is needed? What is the first-year staffing plan? Only then form the U.S. company.
Stage 2 — L-1A第一年 / The First L-1A Year
每个月都在积累未来extension/EB-1C证据：revenue、contracts、employees、payroll、invoices、taxes、bank transactions、managerial delegation。
Every month, build evidence for the future extension and EB-1C: revenue, contracts, employees, payroll, invoices, taxes, bank transactions, and managerial delegation.
Stage 3 — 延期 + EB-1C / Extension + EB-1C
到第9个月左右开始检查：经理是否已经从日常operations中解脱？staff够不够？business plan兑现程度如何？中国公司是否持续经营？是现在EB-1C，还是再发展6–12个月以后再file？
Around month 9, assess: Has the manager been relieved from day-to-day operations? Is staffing sufficient? How well has the business plan been met? Is the Chinese company still operating? File EB-1C now, or grow another 6–12 months first?
🎯 这比"先把一家美国LLC注册出来，然后看看怎么做L-1A"安全得多。
This is far safer than "register a U.S. LLC first, then figure out the L-1A."
新未名律所的靠谱华人移民律师团队长期办理L-1A跨国公司经理签证（含New Office与延期）、L-1B专业知识人员签证、EB-1C跨国公司高管绿卡、EB-1A杰出人才、NIW国家利益豁免、EB-2/3 PERM职业移民、I-140/I-485全流程、H-1B、O-1、F-1身份维护、J-1豁免、RFE应对以及Dual Intent双重意图规划等各类美国移民和工作身份申请。如果您正计划将中国企业拓展到美国，欢迎在注册美国公司之前就联系我们，从股权设计、经理职务、business plan到第一年员工结构做整体规划，并获取免费评估（Free Evaluation）。新未名律所在美国首都华盛顿地区、大华府DMV地区、马里兰(Maryland)和弗吉尼亚(Virginia)为华人企业家、留学生、博士后及高科技/科研人员提供全方位移民法律服务。
New Weiming Law Group's experienced immigration attorneys handle L-1A intracompany manager/executive visas (including New Office petitions and extensions), L-1B specialized knowledge visas, EB-1C multinational manager/executive green cards, EB-1A Extraordinary Ability, NIW National Interest Waiver, EB-2/3 PERM, I-140/I-485 processing, H-1B, O-1, F-1 status maintenance, J-1 waivers, RFE responses, and Dual Intent planning. If you plan to expand a Chinese business into the U.S., contact us before registering the U.S. company so we can plan the ownership design, managerial role, business plan, and first-year staffing as a whole — and request a Free Evaluation. New Weiming Law Group serves the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, the DMV region, Maryland, and Virginia, providing comprehensive immigration legal services for Chinese entrepreneurs, international students, postdocs, and STEM professionals.
关于新未名律所 / About New Weiming Law Group
新未名律所（New Weiming Law Group）成立于2009年，立足美国首都华盛顿地区，服务大华府DMV地区、马里兰(Maryland)和弗吉尼亚(Virginia)及全美的华人、留学生、博士后及高科技/科研人员。
Founded in 2009, New Weiming Law Group is based in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area and serves Chinese nationals, international students, postdocs, and STEM professionals in the DMV region, Maryland, Virginia, and nationwide.
律所精英合伙人团队均拥有美国顶级法学院法学博士（J.D.）学位，及名校理工科博士（Ph.D.）学位和多年科研经验。结合体系内美国移民律师协会（AILA）成员的专业视野与超过17年的风控博弈及一线护航经历，提供免费评估 Free Evaluation。
Our partners hold J.D. degrees from leading U.S. law schools as well as Ph.D. degrees in STEM fields from top universities, with years of research experience. Combining the professional perspective of AILA members with more than 17 years of front-line risk management and case advocacy, we provide a Free Evaluation.
官网 / Website：www.nwmlaw.com
邮箱 / Email：info@nwmlaw.com
关于"新未名"名称及机构关系的澄清说明
美国新未名律师事务所（New Weiming Law Group, PLLC）系在美国依法设立并执业的律师事务所，从2009年创立至今，已经帮助上万申请人取得了美国绿卡、签证和各类移民申请批准。本所在中国大陆没有设立任何分所、分支机构、办事处、代表处或其他经营机构。
对于在中国境内注册或者经营、名称中含有"新未名"字样的出国服务、移民服务、留学服务、中介、咨询或其他机构，本所特此说明：这些机构不是美国新未名律师事务所的中国分所、分支机构或办事处，与本所不存在隶属、控股、加盟、合伙、共同经营或授权代理关系。
如有任何个人或机构声称其为美国新未名律师事务所在中国的分所、办公室、代表处、独家代理或授权机构，请直接发信向美国新未名律师事务所核实。
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美国新未名律师事务所
New Weiming Law Group, PLLC
Clarification Regarding the "New Weiming" Name and Institutional Relationships (English Translation)
New Weiming Law Group, PLLC is a law firm lawfully established and practicing in the United States. Since its founding in 2009, it has helped tens of thousands of applicants obtain approvals for U.S. green cards, visas, and other immigration applications. The firm has not established any branch office, subsidiary, office, representative office, or other business establishment in mainland China.
With respect to overseas services, immigration services, study-abroad services, agencies, consultancies, or other organizations registered or operating in China whose names contain the words "新未名" (New Weiming), the firm hereby states: these organizations are not branches, subsidiaries, or offices of New Weiming Law Group in China, and have no affiliation, controlling interest, franchise, partnership, joint operation, or authorized agency relationship with the firm.
If any individual or organization claims to be a branch, office, representative office, exclusive agent, or authorized entity of New Weiming Law Group in China, please verify directly with New Weiming Law Group by email.
New Weiming Law Group, PLLC
免责声明：本文仅为一般性法律信息介绍，不针对任何个人案件构成法律意见，也不构成对审批或案件结果的保证。L-1A与EB-1C的适用需要结合中美两家公司的股权结构、经营状况、员工配置以及申请人的实际职责进行个案分析。USCIS审查标准、AAO决定以及相关法规政策可能随时变化。中国境外直接投资（ODI）、外汇及资金出境事项属于中国法律合规问题，应另行咨询中国专业人士。请咨询合格的美国移民律师。
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice for any specific case and does not guarantee any approval or outcome. L-1A and EB-1C eligibility requires case-specific analysis of both companies' ownership, operations, and staffing, and of the applicant's actual duties. USCIS adjudication standards, AAO decisions, and related regulations and policies may change at any time. China outbound direct investment (ODI), foreign-exchange, and capital-outflow matters are Chinese legal compliance issues and should be reviewed separately with qualified professionals in China. Consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.
