Transfer key managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees from your foreign offices to the United States.
The L-1 visa enables multinational companies to transfer key employees from their foreign offices to the United States. It is one of the most powerful tools for companies expanding operations into the U.S. market or maintaining their existing U.S. presence.
The L-1 visa is divided into two sub-categories: the L-1A for managers and executives (maximum 7-year stay), and the L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge (maximum 5-year stay).
Employees must have worked for the qualifying organization abroad for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the application. The U.S. and foreign entities must have a qualifying corporate relationship (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate).
New Office Option: Companies opening a new U.S. office may also use the L-1 visa. Initial approval is granted for 1 year, after which extensions can be filed.
The L-1 visa serves three distinct categories of intracompany transferees.
Individuals who manage a team, department, or essential function of the organization. They must supervise professional employees or manage a critical business component.
Senior leaders who direct the management of the organization or a major component. They exercise wide latitude in discretionary decision-making with minimal oversight.
Employees with advanced, proprietary knowledge of the company's products, services, processes, or procedures not readily available in the U.S. labor market.
Unlike many work visas, the L-1 does not require a labor condition application, prevailing wage determination, or PERM labor certification.
L-1 holders may pursue permanent residency (Green Card) while maintaining nonimmigrant status — no need to prove ties to home country.
L-2 dependent spouses are eligible for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), allowing them to work for any U.S. employer.
L-1A managers and executives may qualify for the EB-1C multinational manager/executive Green Card — a premium immigrant category.
15-calendar-day adjudication available through USCIS Premium Processing Service for an additional filing fee.
Unlike H-1B visas, the L-1 category is not subject to annual numerical caps or lottery systems. File any time.
| Feature | L-1 Visa | E-2 Visa | EB-5 Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Intracompany Transfer | Treaty Investment | Immigrant Investor |
| Investment | No minimum | ~$100,000+ | $800K / $1.05M |
| Employer Needed | Yes (parent company) | No | No |
| Duration | 5–7 years | 2 yrs (renewable ∞) | Permanent |
| Green Card Path | Via EB-1C | No direct path | Direct |
| Best For | Multinational companies | Entrepreneurs | Investors |
From initial assessment to U.S. entry — a clear roadmap for your intracompany transfer.
We assess your company structure, the transferee's qualifications, and determine eligibility for L-1A (manager/executive) or L-1B (specialized knowledge). We review the qualifying corporate relationship between the U.S. and foreign entities.
We compile organizational charts, financial records, job descriptions, and evidence of the qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate). For new offices, we prepare a detailed business plan.
Our attorneys draft and assemble the complete L-1 petition package, including a detailed support letter establishing eligibility under USCIS standards with comprehensive evidence of the transferee's role.
The petition is filed with USCIS. Regular processing: 4–6 months. We offer Premium Processing (15-day adjudication) for expedited review when timing is critical.
If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, our team prepares a comprehensive, well-documented response to address all concerns. Timeline: 60–90 days.
Upon petition approval, the beneficiary schedules a visa interview at the U.S. consulate in their home country. We provide thorough interview preparation and document review. Processing: 2–4 weeks.
We assist with port-of-entry procedures, I-94 verification, and ongoing compliance including extension filings, amendments, and status maintenance throughout the visa duration.
Processing times are approximate and subject to USCIS workload. Premium Processing guarantees a response within 15 calendar days.
L-1A is for managers and executives with a maximum 7-year stay. L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge with a maximum 5-year stay. L-1A holders also have a clearer path to the EB-1C Green Card.
The employee must have worked for the qualifying organization abroad for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding the L-1 petition filing.
Yes. Companies opening a new U.S. office can file for an L-1 visa. The initial approval will be for 1 year (instead of the standard 3 years), and a detailed business plan must be submitted showing projected growth and staffing.
Yes. USCIS offers Premium Processing for L-1 petitions, guaranteeing a response (approval, denial, or RFE) within 15 calendar days for an additional filing fee.
Yes. L-1A managers and executives may qualify for the EB-1C multinational manager/executive Green Card category. This is one of the fastest employment-based paths to permanent residency, and no PERM labor certification is required.
Yes. L-2 spouses can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work for any employer in the United States. Children on L-2 status can attend school.