Overview of L-1 Visas

The L-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a U.S. employer to transfer certain employees from an affiliated foreign office to a U.S. office. It is primarily used by multinational companies to bring executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to the U.S.

​

​

Types of L-1 Visas

1. L-1A: Intracompany Transferee – Executive or Manager

   • For executives or managers being transferred to a U.S. office.

   • Initial stay: up to 3 years.

   • Maximum stay: 7 years.

2. L-1B: Intracompany Transferee – Specialized Knowledge

   • For employees with specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, or processes.

   • Initial stay: up to 3 years.

   • Maximum stay: 5 years.

​

​

Eligibility Requirements

For the Employee:

• Must have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the last 3 years.

• Must be coming to the U.S. to work as a manager, executive, or specialized knowledge worker.

For the Employer:

• Must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).

• Must be actively doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country.

​

​

Application Process

1. Employer Files Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker)

   • Includes proof of qualifying relationship, employee’s role, and company business activities.

2. Approval by USCIS

   • Once approved, the employee may apply for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad (if outside the U.S.).

3. Change or Extension of Status

   • If already in the U.S. under a different status, the employee may file to change status to L-1.

​

​

Family Members

• Spouse and children under 21 may apply for L-2 visas.

• L-2 spouses may apply for work authorization in the U.S.

​

​

Dual Intent

• L-1 visas are dual intent, meaning the holder can apply for a green card (permanent residency) while on L-1 status without jeopardizing their visa.

​

​

Key Notes

• Blanket L-1 Petition:
  Large multinational companies can apply for a blanket approval, streamlining the process for multiple employees.

• Specialized Knowledge:
  L-1B criteria are stricter and more scrutinized than L-1A.

• Portability:
  Employees can transfer within the same company, but changing employers requires a new L-1 petition.

​

​