L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
Transfer key executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees from your foreign offices to the United States. I guide multinational companies through L-1A, L-1B, blanket, and new office petitions.
Visa Categories
L-1A vs. L-1B
The L-1 visa has two subcategories based on the employee's role. Understanding the distinction is critical for a successful petition.
L-1A Visa (Managers/Executives)
For employees transferring to the U.S. in a managerial or executive capacity. Allows up to 7 years of stay and provides a direct path to EB-1C green card.
- Manages organization, department, or function
- Supervises professional employees
- Has authority over hiring/firing
- Direct path to EB-1C green card
L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge)
For employees with specialized knowledge of company products, services, research, equipment, techniques, or management. Allows up to 5 years of stay.
- Special knowledge of company products/services
- Advanced knowledge of company processes
- Proprietary or unique expertise
- Can transition to H-1B or green card
Comparison
L-1A vs. L-1B at a Glance
Eligibility
L-1 Visa Requirements
Qualifying Relationship
The U.S. and foreign companies must have a qualifying relationship: parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate.
One Year of Employment
The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the transfer.
Qualifying Position Abroad
The employee must have been employed abroad in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
Qualifying U.S. Position
The employee will be coming to the U.S. to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.
Benefits of the L-1 Visa
- No annual cap or lottery
- No labor market test required
- Spouse eligible for L-2 visa with work authorization
- Path to permanent residence
- Blanket option for frequent transfers
- Dual intent permitted
The Process
L-1 Petition Timeline
Understanding each stage helps you prepare and reduces delays. I handle every detail to keep your transfer moving forward.
Evaluate Relationship
Determine qualifying corporate relationship between U.S. and foreign entities and confirm employee eligibility.
Gather Documentation
Compile evidence of corporate structure, employee's prior employment, and proposed U.S. position.
File I-129 Petition
Submit the L-1 petition to USCIS with supporting evidence. Premium processing is available.
USCIS Adjudication
USCIS reviews the petition. May request additional evidence (RFE) or schedule interview.
Consular Processing
If abroad, the employee attends visa interview at U.S. embassy. If in U.S., may begin work upon approval.
Blanket L-1
Expedited Transfers for Qualifying Companies
Large multinational companies with frequent transfer needs may qualify for blanket L-1 approval, streamlining the process for multiple employees.
What is Blanket L-1?
A pre-approved program that allows qualifying multinational companies to transfer employees more quickly. The company obtains blanket approval first, then individual employees apply directly at U.S. consulates.
Blanket L-1 Requirements
The company must have at least three offices (one in U.S.), be engaged in commercial trade, and have either $25M+ in annual sales, 1,000+ U.S. employees, or approved 10+ L-1 petitions in prior year.
Advantages
Faster processing through consular interviews, no need to file individual I-129 petitions with USCIS for each transfer, and reduced legal costs for multiple transfers.
New Office
Starting U.S. Operations
Foreign companies establishing their first U.S. presence can use the new office L-1 visa to transfer key personnel to launch operations.
Business Plan Required
Detailed business plan showing proposed U.S. operations, organizational structure, financial projections, and staffing plans.
Sufficient Premises
Evidence of physical premises secured for the new office, demonstrating ability to commence operations.
Financial Ability
Proof that the foreign parent company has the financial resources to establish and operate the U.S. business.
Initial One-Year Approval
New office L-1 petitions are initially approved for one year. Extension requires showing the business is operational and viable.
Common Questions
L-1 Visa FAQs
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B visas?
L-1A is for managers and executives who supervise other professional employees or manage an essential function of the organization. L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or processes. L-1A allows up to 7 years of stay and has a direct path to EB-1C green card, while L-1B allows up to 5 years.
Is there an annual cap for L-1 visas?
No, unlike H-1B visas, L-1 visas are not subject to an annual numerical cap. Petitions can be filed year-round as long as all requirements are met.
Can a startup company sponsor an L-1 visa?
Yes, through the "new office" L-1 category. This requires a detailed business plan, proof of sufficient premises, and evidence of financial ability to start operations. Initial approval is for one year, with extensions requiring proof that the business is operational.
What is a blanket L-1 petition?
A blanket L-1 is a pre-approved petition for qualifying multinational companies that allows expedited transfers. Instead of filing individual petitions with USCIS, approved employees can apply directly at U.S. consulates. Requirements include three or more offices and either $25M+ annual sales, 1,000+ U.S. employees, or 10+ approved L-1s in the prior year.
How long must the employee have worked abroad?
The employee must have worked for the qualifying foreign organization for at least one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding the filing or admission to the U.S. The year of employment must be in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge capacity.
Can L-1 visa holders get green cards?
Yes, L-1 visa holders can pursue permanent residence. L-1A managers and executives may qualify for EB-1C multinational manager green cards, which do not require labor certification. L-1B specialized knowledge workers typically pursue EB-2 or EB-3 categories, which require PERM labor certification.
Can the L-1 spouse work in the United States?
Yes, L-2 dependent spouses are eligible for employment authorization. They can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows them to work for any U.S. employer. The EAD is valid for the same period as the L-1 status.
What happens if the L-1 petition is denied?
If denied, we can file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). We can also address the issues and file a new petition. If the employee is in the U.S., they may need to maintain status through other means or depart.
Ready to transfer key employees?
Let's discuss your L-1 visa needs and create a strategic plan for bringing your managers, executives, or specialized knowledge workers to the U.S.