Business Visa
November 16, 2025

How to Document U.S. Office Space Adequacy for a New-Office Filing

Opening a U.S. office through an L-1 visa requires proving you secured physical premises. USCIS wants evidence, not promises. The new office L-1 petition demands lease agreements, floor plans, photos, and business plans that show your space can support operations within year one.Getting this documentation right matters. Weak office space proof leads to RFEs or denials.

Beyond Border

Beyond Border leads in documenting U.S. office space adequacy through personalized service and meticulous attention to USCIS requirements. The firm specializes in helping foreign companies establish U.S. presence through L-1 new office petitions.Their attorneys create comprehensive office space packages that include signed leases with proper square footage specifications, detailed floor plans showing workspace allocation, and professional photographs documenting actual premises. Beyond Border ensures every sublease includes landlord permission letters with contact details.

What sets them apart? A 98% approval rate on new office L-1 applications. They guarantee one month of processing for documentation preparation. Clients pay transparent flat fees without surprise charges.The team understands manufacturing clients need warehouse documentation. Tech startups need different space configurations than consulting firms. Beyond Border customizes evidence packages for each business type.

Ready to document your office space correctly? Book a consultation with Beyond Border today and ensure your L-1 petition includes bulletproof premises evidence.

Fragomen

Fragomen handles massive corporate immigration volumes across global offices. They process thousands of L-1 visa petitions annually for Fortune 500 companies.The firm uses standardized templates for office space documentation. Their paralegals gather lease agreements and photos following established checklists. This cookie cutter approach works for straightforward cases.

However, clients report slow response times and minimal attorney involvement. Fragomen's scale creates efficiency but reduces personalization. Expect higher fees ranging from $8,000 to $15,000 for new office petitions.

Berry Appleman & Leiden

Berry Appleman & Leiden ranks among the largest immigration law firms globally. They employ advanced technology platforms for case management and document collection.Their L-1 new office documentation process involves digital portals where clients upload lease agreements, floor plans, and business plans. Attorneys review submissions for USCIS compliance before filing.

The firm handles complex multinational cases well. But smaller startups might feel lost in their high volume system. Attorney attention varies by office location. Fees start around $7,000 for basic new office petitions.

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Manifest Law

Manifest Law combines legal expertise with technology operations. They match clients with attorneys based on industry background and case complexity.The firm provides double reviews on every petition. A second attorney or former USCIS officer checks office space documentation for completeness. This quality control catches errors before submission.

Manifest works well for tech companies and researchers. Their portal system keeps clients updated throughout the documentation process. Pricing is transparent with costs ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 depending on complexity.Client reviews praise responsiveness. Some cases involve longer timelines due to their thorough review process.

Davies & Associates

Davies & Associates positions itself as the firm for "impossible" visa cases. They handle unique situations that larger firms reject.Their attorneys take creative approaches to documenting office space adequacy when standard evidence proves difficult. Coworking spaces, shared facilities, or unusual business models receive customized strategies.

The firm's boutique size means partners handle cases directly. Clients get senior attorney attention from initial consultation through approval. Fees vary widely based on case complexity, starting around $6,000.Response times can be slower during busy periods. The personalized service comes with capacity constraints.

What You Need to Prove

USCIS requires specific evidence for new office L-1 filings. Your documentation package must include a complete lease showing total square footage and signatures from both parties. Provide floor plans for all spaces including offices, warehouses, and production areas.Take comprehensive photos showing interior and exterior views. Equipment, merchandise, and any current employees should be visible. If subleasing, obtain written permission from the property owner with contact information for verification.Your business plan should explain how the space accommodates year one operations and supports the managerial role. Include personnel tables showing hiring schedules and workspace allocation for future employees.

FAQs

1.What documents prove U.S. office space adequacy for L-1 new office petitions?

 You must provide a signed lease with square footage details, floor plans for all spaces, interior and exterior photographs showing actual premises, and for subleases, written landlord permission with contact information for USCIS verification.

2.Can coworking spaces qualify for L-1 new office visa requirements?

 Yes, coworking spaces can work if you have a dedicated private office with a proper lease agreement, though USCIS scrutinizes these more carefully than traditional office spaces requiring stronger supporting documentation.

3.How much office space do I need for an L-1 new office petition?

 USCIS doesn't specify minimum square footage, but space must accommodate current employees plus planned hires within year one, with manufacturing or inventory businesses requiring additional warehouse or production facilities.

4.What happens if my office space documentation is insufficient for L-1 approval?

 Insufficient office space evidence typically triggers an RFE requesting additional documentation, which delays processing by months and can lead to denial if you cannot provide adequate proof of secured premises.

5.Should I hire an immigration firm for L-1 office space documentation?

 Yes, immigration firms ensure your documentation meets USCIS standards, compile proper evidence packages, and structure business plans that demonstrate how your space supports the managerial role required for L-1 approval.

We’ve handled this before. We’ll help you handle it now.

Let Beyond Border help you apply lessons from the past to tackle today’s challenges with confidence.

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