U.S. immigration law does not specify a minimum number of employees. In our experience, we recommend at least 7 to 10 employees in the company and also at least 7 to 10 employees in the U.S. company. If only 7 to 10 employees, the employees must be: (1) salaried full-time workers and (2) mostly managers or professionals. Job descriptions are required for each employee of a small company. The larger the number of employees the company has, the stronger the facts for an L-1A or EB-1C visa petition.
Example of Strong Facts: Applicant is President of production company with 50+ employees, some of whom are managers and professionals. Recommendation: go forward.
Example of Average Facts: Applicant is owner of an advertising and marketing company with 10 employees, most of whom are skilled professionals (marketing analysts, graphic designers, web designers). Recommendation: go forward.
Example of Average Facts: Applicant is President of a real estate development company, with 10 employees and 50 independent contractors. The 10 employees include financial managers, accountants and civil engineers. Recommendation: go forward.
Example of Weak Facts: Applicant owns a successful beauty salon, with 20 part-time employees. Applicant manages the hair salon personally, and has no assistant managers or professionals working for the company. Recommendation: either hire at least two (2) assistant full-time managers and one (1) accountant, or do not go forward.