Read the general business expansion overview
A Terrasse-Vaudreuil group may propose space controlled by a related company for the U.S. launch. Identify the actual access and suitability rather than assuming that a corporate connection alone supplies sufficient premises. A first review should produce a premises record, entity chart, foreign-employment timeline, and twelve-month operating plan. Hypothetical example: an algae-based wastewater-sensor manufacturer receives a related company's desk-space promise without any document stating access, permitted activity, or term. The decision is whether the space is sufficient and available before calling it settled premises.
Document what the proposed operation can actually use
Record the space, permitted activity, access arrangement and any unresolved conditions. Hypothetical example: a related company occupies the premises but the new operation’s rights are not explained. Ask for the actual agreement and intended use; do not describe access as secured merely because the companies share a name. Obtain the lease, licence, or other written right of use, then compare permitted activity and duration with the launch plan. A related company's occupancy does not establish the new operation's right to work there.
Keep the new-office assessment specific
For less than one year of U.S. doing business, new-office L-1A needs the qualifying continuous foreign managerial or executive year within the relevant three years, sufficient premises and evidence supporting the U.S. role within one year. New-office L-1B needs specialized knowledge, qualifying employment, sufficient premises and financial ability to pay and begin business. The source of the space does not waive these conditions. Assess the qualifying relationship, one continuous foreign year during the preceding three, premises, finances, and the role the office must support on separate tracks. L-1A is cumulatively capped at seven years and L-1B at five years.
Link the premises record to the actual organization
The qualifying corporate relationship and required international business need evidence beyond an address. Initial approval is limited to one year, and owners or major stockholders also need temporary-services and subsequent foreign-assignment evidence. Keep each document tied to the entity and activity it actually supports rather than assuming one lease answers every organizational question. Use monthly staffing, revenue, and duty milestones. The decision is whether the plan supports a qualifying role within the first year, rather than simply presenting an ambitious launch narrative; a registration or address does not decide it.
What else is on your mind?
Does being a business owner or director qualify me for L-1A?What employment history should an L-1 transfer review cover?What makes a new-office L-1A case different?Why does an L-2 spouse’s admission record matter for work?Editorial source review: 2026-09-07. General preparation guidance, not an individual assessment.