L-1 Visa Guide - Intracompany Transferee Visa for Executives, Managers, and Specialized Knowledge Professionals

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What Is an L-1 Visa?

The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that lets multinational companies transfer executives, managers, or specialized employees from a foreign office to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, affiliate, or parent company. It's ideal for temporary assignments that support U.S. operations.

Benefits of the L-1 Visa:

No Labor Certification: Unlike H-1B visas, L-1 visas do not require a labor condition application.
Dual Intent: L-1 visa holders can pursue permanent residency (green card) without jeopardizing their nonimmigrant status.
Spouse Work Authorization: L-2 spouses can apply for work authorization to work in the U.S.
Ideal for Startups: L-1A visas support the opening of new U.S. offices by foreign companies.

L-1 Visa Application Process

The application process involves several key steps:

1
Employer Files Form I-129:
The U.S. employer must submit Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with supporting documentation.
2
USCIS Review:
The petition is reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
3
Visa Application at U.S. Embassy:
If outside the U.S., the employee applies for the L-1 visa at a U.S. consulate.
4
Entry to the U.S.:
Upon visa approval, the employee may enter the U.S. and begin work under the L-1 status.

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Types of L-1 Visas

L-1A Visa: For Executives and Managers

The L-1A visa is for executives and managers who have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the past three and are coming to the U.S. to manage a department, function, or the company.

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Initial stay: 1 year (new office) or 3 years (existing office)
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Maximum duration: 7 years

L-1B Visa: For Employees with Specialized Knowledge

The L-1B visa is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's processes, systems, or products, allowing U.S. offices to benefit from that expertise.

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Initial stay: For Employees with Specialized Knowledge
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Maximum duration: 5 years

Who Is Eligible for an L-1 Visa?

To qualify for an L-1 visa, both the employer and the employee must meet specific requirements:

Employer Requirements:

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Must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign entity (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary)
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Must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country during the employee's stay

Employee Requirements:

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Must have worked for the foreign company full-time for at least 1 year in the past 3 years
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Must be entering the U.S. to provide services in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role

Blanket L-1 Petitions for Large Companies

For multinational companies that frequently transfer employees, the L-1 Blanket Petition offers an expedited process. This allows the employer to file a single petition covering multiple employees, reducing wait times and streamlining internal transfers.

L-1 Visa Duration and Extensions:

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L-1A: Can be extended in two-year increments up to 7 years
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L-1B: Can be extended in two-year increments up to 5 years

Extensions require proof that the employee continues to fulfill the executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.

Common Challenges and How We Help

Navigating the L-1 visa process can be complex, especially when proving specialized knowledge or qualifying relationships. Immigration Question can help you schedule a consultation with an attorney in our network who can help:

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Assess your eligibility
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Prepare a strong petition with detailed documentation
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Guide you through interviews and follow-ups
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Help you pursue permanent residence (green card) options

Why Choose One of Our Network Attorneys for Your L-1 Visa Application?

Immigration Question's network of attorneys brings years of experience helping businesses and professionals navigate the L-1 visa process. Whether you're a startup launching your U.S. operations or a global brand scaling internationally, they can assist your efforts to ensure your case is presented with precision and care.

FAQs About the L-1 Visa

Yes. L-1 visa holders can apply for a green card without losing their status, especially under the EB-1C category.

Apply for an L-1 Visa