Key Takeaways

  • The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge to their U.S. branches.
  • There are two categories: L-1A for executives/managers and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge.
  • Applicants must have worked abroad for at least one continuous year within the last three years for a qualifying organization.
  • The L-1 visa offers a potential path to a green card, especially for L-1A executives or managers through the EB-1C category.
  • Employers must file Form I-129 with supporting documentation to initiate the process.
  • Spouses and dependents can apply for L-2 visas and may be eligible for work authorization.
  • Extensions are available up to seven years (L-1A) or five years (L-1B).

A Guide on How to Obtain an L-1 Work Visa in the United States

Learn about what an H-2A visa is, who it's for, the requirements, and process for obtaining one to temporarily employee a foreign worker in the U.S. 

What is an L-1 Work Visa?

The L-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa category designed for companies with operations in both the U.S. and a foreign country, allowing them to transfer specific employees from their international locations to their U.S. operations.

Two types of L-1 visas are available to workers of affiliate U.S. companies overseas. The first is an L-1A visa, which is for executives or managers and the other is an L-2B visa for specialized knowledge staff. Companies operating in the United States and overseas can apply via the USCIS service center for an L-1 visa to transfer someone. Employees will initially be granted three years of residence, but can receive up to five or even seven years for an L-1B and L-1A visa, respectively.

L-1A vs. L-1B: Key Differences

When learning how to get an L1 visa, it’s important to understand which subtype applies:

  • L-1A Visa (Executives and Managers): Designed for employees managing major business functions or departments, supervising other professionals, and exercising significant decision-making authority.
  • L-1B Visa (Specialized Knowledge): For professionals with proprietary knowledge about the company’s products, services, technology, or management structure that is not easily transferable outside the organization.

Both categories allow intra-company transfers but differ in duration and eligibility for permanent residency, with L-1A being the more direct path to a green card.

Requirements for an L-1 Visa

A current employee in a managerial/executive capacity or in a position requiring specialized knowledge must have worked for the same employer abroad continuously for one year within the past three. The United States has put strict requirements for who will qualify as an employee in a managerial or specialized knowledge role.

An executive or manager will need to have supervisory experience in his/her role overseas for some sort of professional staff. Additionally, someone with specialized knowledge must have advanced skills for a company in product services, research, proprietary techniques or procedures.

This category is a little more broad and an immigration attorney is always a good starting point if you are unclear as to if you can transfer a certain employee or not. Once a transferee employee has reached his/her maximum allowable stay under an L-1 visa the employee must then be employed outside the U.S. for one year before being eligible for a new L-1 visa.

L-1 Blanket Petitions for Large Companies

Some multinational employers may qualify for L-1 Blanket Petitions, which streamline the transfer process for multiple employees. Once USCIS approves a company’s blanket petition, the organization can transfer eligible employees to the U.S. without filing separate Form I-129s for each transferee.

To qualify, the company must:

  • Have at least three domestic and foreign branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates.
  • Engage in commercial trade or services.
  • Have obtained approval for at least ten L-1 transfers in the previous year, or have U.S. subsidiaries with combined annual sales exceeding $25 million, or a U.S. workforce of at least 1,000 employees.

This process significantly reduces wait times for qualifying organizations and is common among large multinational corporations.

L-1 Visa Duration, Extensions, and Green Card Path

An initial L-1 visa is granted for up to three years, with renewals available in increments of up to two years. The maximum stay is seven years for L-1A holders (executives/managers) and five years for L-1B holders (specialized knowledge employees).

Extension Requirements:To qualify for extensions, the employer must demonstrate that the employee continues to work in an eligible role and that the U.S. office remains active and operational.

Transition to Permanent Residency (Green Card):L-1A visa holders often use their status to apply for a green card under the EB-1C category for multinational managers and executives. This route typically does not require labor certification, making it faster than other employment-based green card processes.

How to Apply for an L-1 Visa

To understand how to get an L1 visa, both employers and employees must follow a multi-step process established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

  1. Employer Petition (Form I-129):
    The U.S. employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, on behalf of the transferring employee. This petition should include evidence of the qualifying relationship between the U.S. company and the foreign company, such as ownership or control documents, and proof that both are actively doing business.
  2. Provide Supporting Evidence:
    Employers must submit documentation proving:
    • The employee has worked continuously for one year abroad for the same employer or affiliate.
    • The employee’s role abroad and in the U.S. meet managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge standards.
    • Office space and operational plans exist for new offices, if applicable.
  3. USCIS Review:
    Once submitted, USCIS evaluates the petition. Premium processing (15-day review) is available for an additional fee.
  4. Visa Application (Form DS-160):
    After USCIS approval, the employee completes Form DS-160 online and schedules an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
  5. Attend Interview and Submit Biometrics:
    Applicants present required documentation—such as the approval notice, passport, employment letters, and proof of qualifications—during the interview and provide biometrics.
  6. Receive Visa and Enter the U.S.:
    Upon approval, the employee receives the L-1 visa stamp in their passport, allowing them to enter and begin working in the U.S. for the petitioning company.

Other Popular Work Visas in the United States:

H-1B Visa - Specialty Occupation Worker (skilled worker)

L-1 Visa - Intra-company Transferee

B-1 Visa - Business visitors

J-1 Visa - Exchange Visitor Program

Green Card - Permanent Residence to live and work in the U.S.

Dependent Visas and Work Authorization (L-2 Visa)

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders may apply for L-2 visas. L-2 spouses are automatically authorized to work in the United States without filing separate work authorization applications. Dependents can also study in the U.S. without changing their visa status.

Benefits and Limitations of the L-1 Visa

Benefits:

  • Enables key staff transfers to strengthen U.S. operations.
  • Provides a path to permanent residency for L-1A holders.
  • Allows L-2 spouses to work without restrictions.
  • No annual cap like the H-1B visa, offering year-round availability.

Limitations:

  • Strict eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.
  • Requires proof of continued qualifying business operations abroad.
  • L-1B employees cannot extend beyond five years.

If you need assistance preparing your petition or understanding your eligibility, you can connect with an experienced immigration attorney on UpCounsel to guide you through the L-1 visa process.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How long does it take to get an L-1 visa?
    Processing times vary, but standard petitions take 1–3 months. Premium processing ensures a 15-day review.
  2. Can I change from an L-1 visa to a green card?
    Yes. L-1A holders can apply for a green card under the EB-1C category without labor certification.
  3. What is the difference between L-1 and H-1B visas?
    The L-1 is for intra-company transfers, while H-1B is for U.S. employers hiring foreign professionals. The L-1 has no annual cap.
  4. Can my spouse work on an L-2 visa?
    Yes. L-2 spouses are automatically eligible for employment in the U.S.
  5. What happens after my L-1 visa expires?
    You must leave the U.S. once your maximum stay ends, unless you’ve transitioned to another visa status or obtained permanent residency.

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