L-1 Visa
What is the L-1 Visa?
The L-1 visa is a nonimmigrant work visa that allows multinational companies to transfer certain employees from their foreign offices to a U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary. This visa is ideal for managers, executives, and specialized employees who need to work in the U.S. for a temporary period.
Who Qualifies for an L-1 Visa?
The L-1 visa has two main categories:
✅ L-1A Visa (For Managers & Executives)
For employees in a managerial or executive role.
Allows companies to transfer high-level employees to oversee U.S. operations.
Can also be used for opening a new office in the U.S.
✅ L-1B Visa (For Specialized Knowledge Employees)
For employees with specialized knowledge essential to the company’s U.S. operations.
This includes proprietary company processes, technical knowledge, or advanced expertise in company-specific services/products.
🚨 Key Requirement: The employee must have worked for the company outside the U.S. for at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years before applying.
Benefits of the L-1 Visa
✔️ Allows foreign businesses to expand into the U.S.
✔️ Dual intent visa – L-1 holders can apply for a green card later.
✔️ No degree requirement, unlike the H-1B visa.
✔️ Spouse & children can come to the U.S. (Spouses can apply for work authorization).
✔️ Faster processing options – Premium Processing available for 15-day expedited review.
The L-1 Visa Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: U.S. Employer Files Form I-129
The U.S. employer (petitioner) files Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS.
The petition must include:
✅ Proof of a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign office.
✅ Evidence that the employee meets L-1A or L-1B eligibility requirements.
✅ Proof that the U.S. company has sufficient office space & financial ability.
📌 Processing Time: 1 to 6 months (or 15 days with Premium Processing).
Step 2: Visa Application (If Outside the U.S.)
If the employee is outside the U.S., they must apply for an L-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
They must submit Form DS-160 and attend a visa interview.
📌 Processing Time: 2 to 4 weeks (varies by U.S. embassy).
Step 3: Entering the U.S. & Starting Work
Once approved, the L-1 visa holder can travel to the U.S. and start working for the U.S. branch of their company.
If opening a new office in the U.S., the visa holder must establish operations within 1 year.
How Long is the L-1 Visa Valid?
⏳ L-1A Visa Duration:
Initial Stay: 1 year (for new offices) or up to 3 years.
Extensions: Can be renewed in 2-year increments for a maximum of 7 years.
⏳ L-1B Visa Duration:
Initial Stay: Up to 3 years.
Extensions: Can be renewed in 2-year increments for a maximum of 5 years.
L-1 Visa to Green Card: Can You Apply for Permanent Residency?
Yes! The L-1 is a dual-intent visa, meaning employees can transition to a green card without leaving the U.S.
L-1A holders can apply for an EB-1C green card (Multinational Manager/Executive).
L-1B holders can apply for an EB-2 or EB-3 green card if sponsored by an employer.
📌 Advantage: No PERM labor certification required for L-1A green card applicants.
L-1 Blanket Petition – Faster Processing for Large Companies
If a company regularly transfers employees to the U.S., they can apply for an L-1 Blanket Petition. This allows them to pre-approve multiple employees, significantly reducing processing times for future L-1 applicants.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I work for another company while on an L-1 visa?
✅ No. L-1 visa holders can only work for their sponsoring employer.
❓ Can my spouse and children come with me?
✅ Yes! Your spouse and children (under 21) can apply for L-2 visas.
Spouses can work legally in the U.S. by applying for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
❓ Can I change employers while on an L-1 visa?
✅ No. If you want to switch employers, your new employer must sponsor you under a different visa (such as H-1B or EB-3 green card).
❓ What is the difference between L-1 and H-1B?
✅ The L-1 visa does not have a lottery, and there is no degree requirement, unlike the H-1B visa. However, L-1 requires prior work experience with the sponsoring company.