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L1 Visa - Intracompany Transfer

Expert guidance for multinational companies transferring essential executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees to U.S. offices

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7 / 5 Years

Maximum Duration
(L-1A / L-1B)

L-1A & L-1B

Two Classifications
Available

No Cap

Annual Limit
(No Lottery)

Dual Intent

Green Card
Intent Allowed

L-1 Visa: The Intracompany Transfer Solution

The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows an employer to transfer an executive, manager, or an employee with specialized knowledge from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This visa is a crucial tool for multinational companies operating across borders.

L1 Visa Intracompany Transfer

No Annual Cap

Unlike H-1B

Key Features of the L-1 Visa

Multinational Companies

Designed for organizations with qualifying relationships between U.S. and foreign entities

No Annual Quota

Unlike H-1B, there's no lottery or annual cap limiting the number of L-1 visas

Premium Processing Available

15-day processing option for faster petition decisions

Path to Green Card

L-1A holders may qualify for EB-1C permanent residency without labor certification

Family Included

Spouse can work with L-2 status, children can attend school in the U.S.

L-1A vs L-1B: Understanding the Classifications

The L-1 visa has two distinct categories based on the employee's role and expertise

L-1A

Managers and Executives

This classification is for employees transferring to serve in an executive or managerial capacity. Key benefits include a longer maximum stay and a more direct path to permanent residency (EB-1C).

Key Features:
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 7 years total
  • Initial Period: 3 years (1 year for new U.S. office)
  • Extensions: 2-year increments
  • Green Card Path: Eligible for EB-1C priority category (no PERM required)
  • Role: Primary function is managing the organization or a major component
Who Qualifies:
  • C-suite executives (CEO, CFO, CTO)
  • Department heads and senior managers
  • Those managing professional employees
  • Directors with policy-making authority

L-1B

Specialized Knowledge

This classification is for employees who have special knowledge of the company's product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other proprietary interests and its application in international markets.

Key Features:
  • Maximum Stay: Up to 5 years total
  • Initial Period: 3 years (1 year for new U.S. office)
  • Extensions: 2-year increments up to 5 years max
  • Knowledge Requirement: Expertise not readily available in U.S. labor market
  • Proprietary Knowledge: Company-specific processes, systems, or products
Who Qualifies:
  • Software architects with proprietary knowledge
  • Engineers with unique technical expertise
  • Product specialists with company-specific training
  • Technical experts in proprietary systems
Feature L-1A (Executives/Managers) L-1B (Specialized Knowledge)
Maximum Duration 7 Years 5 Years
Initial Period 3 years (1 for new office) 3 years (1 for new office)
Green Card Path EB-1C Available Standard Process
Role Requirement Managerial/Executive Specialized Knowledge
PERM for Green Card Not Required (EB-1C) Usually Required

Key Requirements for L-1 Visa

Both the employee and the company must meet specific requirements for L-1 visa eligibility

Employee Qualifications

Employment History

Must have worked for a qualifying organization abroad for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding the petition filing.

Qualifying Capacity

The employment abroad must have been in a managerial, executive (L-1A), or specialized knowledge (L-1B) capacity.

U.S. Position

Must be entering the U.S. to provide services in a similar qualifying capacity for the same employer, an affiliate, or a subsidiary.

Important Notes:
  • The one year abroad must be continuous employment
  • Short business trips to U.S. during this period are permitted
  • Previous L-1 time counts toward the 1-year requirement
  • Employment must be with the same corporate family

Company Qualifications

Qualifying Relationship

The U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship: parent company, branch office, subsidiary, or affiliate with shared ownership/control.

Doing Business

The employer must be doing business (regular, systematic, and continuous provision of goods and/or services) in the U.S. and at least one other country.

New Office Requirements

For a "New Office" L-1, the employer must demonstrate: secured physical premises, filed required tax documents, and ability to support executive/manager within one year.

Qualifying Relationships:
  • Parent-Subsidiary: One company owns majority of the other
  • Branch: Operating division of the same company
  • Affiliate: Commonly owned by same parent/group
  • Joint Venture: Under specific circumstances

L-1 Visa Benefits & Advantages

The L-1 visa offers unique advantages for multinational companies and transferees

No Annual Cap or Lottery

Unlike H-1B, there's no annual quota limit, making it more predictable for companies planning international transfers

Dual Intent Allowed

L-1 holders can pursue permanent residency without jeopardizing their visa status

EB-1C Green Card Path (L-1A)

L-1A managers and executives can apply for EB-1C without PERM labor certification

Family Work Authorization

L-2 spouses automatically receive employment authorization without separate EAD application

Premium Processing

15-day processing available for faster decisions on petitions

Travel Flexibility

Can travel in and out of the U.S. with valid L-1 visa stamp without additional paperwork

No LCA Required

Unlike H-1B, no Labor Condition Application needed, simplifying the process

Startup Expansion

New office L-1 allows companies to establish and staff new U.S. operations

No Prevailing Wage

Unlike H-1B, no strict prevailing wage requirements, offering more salary flexibility

Family Members on the L-2 Visa

The L-2 visa is available to the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the L-1 principal holder. This allows families to stay together during the foreign national's assignment in the U.S.

Spouse Work Authorization

L-2 spouses are automatically authorized to work in the U.S. and are granted employment authorization incident to their status. No separate EAD application needed!

Education for Children

L-2 children may attend school (primary, secondary, and higher education) full-time in the U.S. without needing F-1 student status

Duration of Stay

L-2 status is valid for the same period as the L-1 principal's visa and can be extended along with the L-1 petition

Travel Freedom

L-2 visa holders can travel in and out of the U.S. freely with valid visa stamps

L-2 Application Process

Family members can apply for L-2 status in two ways:

  1. Concurrent Filing: Include family members in the initial L-1 petition
  2. Separate Application: Apply for L-2 after L-1 is approved using Form I-539 (if in U.S.) or consular processing (if outside U.S.)

Keep Your Family Together

The L-2 visa ensures your family can join you in the U.S. with work authorization for your spouse

Start Your L-2 Application

L-1 Visa Application Process

Understanding the L-1 petition process helps companies plan effective international transfers

1

Determine Eligibility & Classification

Assess whether the employee and company meet L-1 requirements. Determine if L-1A (manager/executive) or L-1B (specialized knowledge) is appropriate based on the employee's role and responsibilities.

Duration: 1-2 weeks

2

Gather Documentation

Collect comprehensive evidence including:

  • Organizational charts showing company structure
  • Employment verification and job descriptions
  • Evidence of qualifying relationship between entities
  • Proof of doing business in U.S. and abroad
  • Financial documents and tax returns
Duration: 2-4 weeks

3

Prepare & File I-129 Petition

Complete Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with L Classification Supplement. File with USCIS service center with all supporting documentation and filing fees.

Premium Processing Available: $2,500 for 15-day decision

4

USCIS Processing

USCIS reviews the petition:

  • Regular Processing: 2-4 months
  • Premium Processing: 15 calendar days
  • May issue Request for Evidence (RFE) if additional information needed
Premium: 15 days Regular: 2-4 months

5

Consular Processing or Change of Status

After petition approval:

  • If Outside U.S.: Apply for L-1 visa at U.S. Embassy/Consulate with approval notice
  • If Inside U.S.: Change of status becomes effective on approval date (if requested)
  • Attend visa interview and provide biometrics

6

Entry to U.S. & Begin Employment

With approved L-1 visa, enter the U.S. and begin work for the petitioning employer. CBP officer at port of entry will admit you for the period indicated on I-129 approval.

L-1 Status Active!

L-1 Blanket Petition Program

Large multinational companies with frequent transfers may benefit from the Blanket L petition

What is a Blanket L Petition?

A Blanket L petition allows qualifying organizations to transfer eligible employees to the U.S. more quickly by having a pre-approved petition on file with USCIS. Instead of filing individual petitions for each transfer, companies can process transfers through consular notification.

Qualifying Requirements:
  • Company and its affiliates have at least 3 U.S. and foreign offices
  • Combined annual sales of at least $25 million, OR
  • At least 1,000 employees in the U.S., OR
  • Obtained approval of at least 10 L-1 petitions in the past 12 months
Blanket L Advantages:
  • Faster processing through consular route
  • No individual I-129 filing for each transfer
  • Lower per-employee costs
  • Valid for indefinite period (3-year renewals)
  • Greater flexibility in employee movement

Is Your Company Eligible?

If your organization frequently transfers employees to the U.S., a Blanket L petition could streamline your process significantly.

✓ Benefits for Your Organization:
  • Reduced processing time per transfer
  • Lower administrative burden
  • Cost savings on filing fees
  • Flexibility for urgent business needs
Assess Blanket L Eligibility

Ready to Transfer Your Key Employee to the U.S.?

The L-1 process can be complex, but our expert team can guide your company through the entire petition process, from initial assessment to final approval and beyond.

L-1A & L-1B Expertise

Specialized guidance for both classifications

Blanket L Programs

Setup and management for large organizations

EB-1C Green Card

Transition to permanent residency

RFE Response

Expert handling of USCIS requests

Get Your Free L-1 Assessment

  • Evaluate company and employee eligibility
  • Determine L-1A vs L-1B classification
  • Assess Blanket L petition opportunity
  • Create comprehensive transfer strategy
Schedule Free Consultation

Trusted by multinational companies • Expert guidance • Fast processing

Explore Related Visa Options

EB-1C Green Card (for L-1A holders)
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation)
E-2 Treaty Investor Visa

Client Testimonials

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