L Visa
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What is a L Visa?
The L-1 program is ideal for larger companies looking to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge from a foreign branch to their U.S. locations.
This visa supports companies in rotating managerial staff globally, ensuring equal career growth opportunities in desirable positions worldwide.
What are the different L Visa categories and how do you qualify?
L-1A: Intracompany Transferee-Executive or Manager
The L-1A classification is intended for intra-company transferees moving to the United States in executive or managerial roles. L-1A applicants must have worked in an executive or managerial role abroad for at least one year within the past three years.
L-1B Intracompany Transferee-Specialized Knowledge
The L-1B The L-1B visa allows specialized knowledge employees to transfer to the U.S., even to help establish a new company office.
L-1 Blanket
USCIS offers a streamlined application process for large multinational companies that regularly use the L-1 visa category, known as the L-1 “blanket petition.” The program allows approved companies a single USCIS approval to transfer multiple managers, executives, or specialized employees efficiently.
Looking to transfer to your company’s U.S. office?
Let our experienced immigration attorneys guide you through the L Visa process and help you transfer your talent to the U.S.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qualified employees entering the United States to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of one year. All other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of three years. For all L-1A employees, requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to an additional two years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of seven years.
Spouses of L-1 workers in valid L-2S nonimmigrant status are considered employment authorized incident to status
Unlike an H-1B, an L1 does not mandate any specific academic credential. However the candidate must have worked for one continuous year for a related foreign company in preceding three years.
L-1A is for executives and managers. These individuals must hold a high-level role within the company, overseeing significant operations or departments.
L-1B is for employees who possess specialized knowledge of the company’s products, services, systems, or procedures that are critical to the company’s success.
– The applicant must have worked for a qualifying company abroad for at least one continuous year within the past three years.
– The U.S. company must be related to the foreign company as a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch.
– The applicant must be coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge capacity.
Yes, the L-1 visa can be used to set up a new office in the U.S. The company must demonstrate the ability to support the new office, including a detailed business plan, office space, and proof of the company’s financial ability to operate in the U.S. Additionally, the employee must be coming in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role to assist in setting up the new office.
– L-1A (Executives and Managers): Initially granted up to 3 years, with extensions available for a maximum stay of 7 years.
– L-1B (Specialized Knowledge): Initially granted up to 3 years, with extensions available for a maximum stay of 5 years. For new offices, the initial stay is limited to one year, but extensions may be granted after proving the new office is operational.
Yes, the L visa is dual intent, which means you can apply for permanent residency (a green card) without affecting your non-immigrant L visa status. Many L-1A visa holders pursue permanent residency through the EB-1C category for multinational executives and managers.
– L visa: For employees of multinational companies transferring to the U.S. in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles. No limit on the number of L visas issued annually.
– H-1B visa: For skilled professionals in specialty occupations, usually subject to an annual cap. The L visa allows for intra-company transfers, while the H-1B visa is for a broader range of employers.
No, the L visa does not require a labor certification, which is typically needed for other employment-based visas. This makes the L visa process quicker for multinational companies.
No, the L visa is tied to the employer that petitioned for your visa. If you want to change employers, you would need to apply for a different type of visa that allows employment with a new company.
If your L visa petition is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision or file a motion to reopen or reconsider the case. Our immigration lawyers can help review the reasons for denial and guide you through the next steps.
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