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L-1 Visa
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In This Article, You Will Discover:
- The L-1 visa allows international companies to transfer executives, managers, or specialized knowledge employees to a U.S. office, subsidiary, or affiliate.
- Two subcategories exist: L-1A for executives and managers and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
- The visa facilitates the entry of skilled employees essential for the operation of multinational businesses, enhancing global business operations and talent mobility.
- Dependents, including spouse and minor children, can accompany the L-1 visa holder on L-2 visas, with spouses eligible to apply for work authorization.
- The L-1 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency, especially for L-1A holders, under the EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive permanent resident category.
What Is the L-1 Visa?
The L-1 is a non-immigrant, intracompany transfer visa. It allows multinational enterprises to temporarily transfer certain employees from foreign branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates to the U.S.
There are two types:
- L-1A: For executives and managers (up to seven years)
- L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge (up to five years)
To qualify, both the employer and the employee must meet stringent criteria verifying the company’s multinational status and the applicant’s eligibility.
Eligibility and Requirements
Employer Requirements
- Must have a qualifying relationship with the foreign company (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
- Must be doing business in the U.S. and at least one other country for the duration of the visa.
Employee Requirements
- Must have been employed by the foreign entity for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the application.
- For L-1A: Must be assuming an executive or managerial role in the U.S.
- For L-1B: Must possess specialized knowledge unique to the employer.
- A valid employment offer from the U.S. entity is required.
For an in-depth look at requirements, visit our L-1 visa guide.
Step-By-Step Application Process
Transferring expertise across borders with the L-1 visa involves several key steps:
- Get a Transfer Offer
- Employer Files Form I-129
- USCIS Review and Approval
- If approved, the employee receives Form I-797 (Approval Notice).
- Applicant Files DS-160
- Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview
- Biometrics and Final Decision
- Attend biometric appointments as necessary. Receive a decision—if approved, the visa is issued for up to three years initially, with extensions possible up to the maximum stay.
Required Documents Checklist
- Current and valid passport
- Visa application forms (I-129 and DS-160)
- Form I-797 Approval Notice
- Company support letter outlining the position and qualifications
- Proof of the company’s qualifying relationship (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, branch)
- Employment verification letters (stating role and employment history)
- Organizational charts and business plans (for new offices)
- Applicant’s résumé and credentials
- Fees (application fee, anti-fraud fees, and, as of 2025, the new $250 visa integrity fee)
- Passport-sized photographs in U.S. visa format
L-1 Visa Benefits and Drawbacks
Key Benefits
- No annual quota or lottery—unlike the H-1B, L-1 visas remain available year-round.
- No educational degree requirement for specialized knowledge roles.
- Dual intent: L-1 visa holders may pursue a green card without jeopardizing their current status.
- Streamlined process for large companies via L-1 “blanket” petitions.
- Spouses (on L-2 visas) may work in the U.S. without separate employment authorization documents.
Potential Drawbacks
- Only available to employees of multinational companies; small or local firms do not qualify.
- Strict employment history requirement—must have worked abroad for one year in the prior three.
- Limited duration: Up to seven years (L-1A) or five years (L-1B), with no extensions beyond these limits.
- Dependents limited to spouse and unmarried children under 21 only.
- Recent fee increases and intensified scrutiny on applications in 2025.
L-1 vs. H-1B: Which Is Right?
Compare all employment options in our immigration visas guide.
Recent Updates and Processing Times
- Processing times: Regular processing averages 3.7 months; premium processing is 12 days (as of June 2025).
- 2025 fee update: All L-1 applicants must pay a $250 visa integrity fee, in addition to existing charges.
- Family update: As of 2025, L-2 spouses are considered employment-authorized incident to status; no separate work permit required.
- Policy caution: The end of the Edakunni settlement may shift how spousal work authorizations are adjudicated for some applicants.
Common Questions
Who can apply for an L-1 visa?
Can my family join me?
Can I apply for a green card while on L-1?
What are the recent changes for L-1 in 2025?
In Conclusion
The L-1 visa is a trusted pathway for multinational organizations seeking to leverage executive talent or specialized knowledge in the U.S.
It provides substantial benefits such as dual intent, spouse work rights, and no quota, but requires careful attention to eligibility, documentation, and compliance.
Stay updated on policy and fee changes, and consider legal assistance for complex cases.
Disclaimer: The information in this article was accurate as of July 2025. U.S. visa policies and processing can change—always confirm current requirements and procedures through official sources or a reputable immigration advisor before applying.
