L1's girlfriend

[marcello]

Hi all,

I'm going to move to U.S. in the next mont with a L1 visa. I would like to bring my girlfriend with me, but we still don't want to marry...so, how can I bring her with me? which kind of visa she could receive and for how long?

I heard that maybe she could come but she can't work...is this true? Is there some method to resolve this?

I need an help because I really don't know how to do. If you know something, please let me know

Thanks in advance

[PraetorianXI]

There is no such thing as a "girlfriend" visa. Since she is not your immediate relative.

Only "spouse" or "minor children" of a L-1 visa holder, would qualify for a deritative L-2 visa.

She could come and visit on a B-2 visitor visa, but only for stays no longer than 6 months each year, and SHE CAN NOT WORK with a visitor visa.

Your only shot is, have her qualify for a non immigrant visa of her own. Or marry her and bring her with an L-2 visa (she would be allowed to work and stay with you).

Basically, there is nothing you can do for her if she is only your girlfriend.

[marcello]

First, thank you for your reply... I just wanted to add that she is not only my girlfriend, she is my live-in partner. We are recognized by Italian government as live-in partners, bceause we have a live-in partners certification, so this could change something? I also heard about a L4 visa for live in partners, but I was not able to find any documentation on this type of visa.

Thank you again

[PraetorianXI]

There is a law in some states, that recognizes such as "common law marriage". But even then, it has to be "certified".

I doubt that you can get any kind of visa/benefit for her though, as USCIS only lists "spouses" and asks for a marriage certificate as evidence.