Full guide to the L-1 intracompany transfer visa, covering L-1A (managers/executives) and L-1B (specialized knowledge) categories, qualifying relationships, petition filing, required documentation, and processing timelines.
Determine if you qualify for L-1A (manager or executive)
L-1A is for managers who supervise professional staff or manage a function/department, and executives who direct management of the organization. L-1A allows a maximum initial stay of 3 years, extendable to 7 years total.
Confirm your role involves managing professional employees or a key function
Gather an organizational chart showing your position and direct reports
Determine if you qualify for L-1B (specialized knowledge)
L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, procedures, or equipment that isn't readily available in the U.S. labor market. Maximum initial stay is 3 years, extendable to 5 years total.
Verify you've worked for the foreign company for at least 1 year
You must have worked continuously for the qualifying organization outside the U.S. for at least 1 year within the 3 years preceding your admission. Part-time work does not count. Brief business trips to the U.S. during this period are acceptable.
Establish Qualifying Relationship
Confirm a qualifying corporate relationship exists
The U.S. and foreign entities must share a qualifying relationship: parent-subsidiary, branch office, or affiliate. The foreign entity must continue doing business during the entire L-1 stay. A dormant foreign company disqualifies you.
Gather proof of the qualifying relationship
Evidence includes articles of incorporation for both entities, stock certificates or ownership documents, annual reports, and organizational charts. For subsidiaries, show that the parent owns more than 50% of the subsidiary.
Collect incorporation documents for both the U.S. and foreign entities
Obtain ownership records, stock certificates, or operating agreements
Prepare financial statements showing both entities are actively doing business
For new offices: prepare a detailed business plan
If the U.S. entity has been operating for less than 1 year, a new office petition is required. Include a business plan with projected staffing, financial projections for the first year, and proof of secured office space. New office L-1s are initially approved for only 1 year.
Petition Filing Process
Employer files Form I-129 with the L classification supplement
The filing fee is $460, plus $500 Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee, plus $4,500 if the employer has 50+ U.S. employees with more than 50% on H-1B/L-1 status. Only the U.S. employer (petitioner) can file — employees cannot self-petition.
Include the L supplement and all supporting documentation
The L supplement to Form I-129 requires details about both entities, the beneficiary's foreign employment, and the proposed U.S. role. Attach a support letter describing the specific duties, qualifications, and why the transfer is needed.
Consider premium processing for faster adjudication
File Form I-907 with a $2,805 fee for a guaranteed 15-business-day processing time. Standard processing takes 3-6 months depending on the service center. Premium processing is available for both L-1A and L-1B petitions.
Check if your employer qualifies for blanket L petition
Large multinational companies can file a blanket L petition (Form I-129S) if they have 1,000+ U.S. employees, $25M+ in annual sales, or have obtained at least 10 L-1 approvals in the past year. Blanket petitions speed up consular processing.
Required Documentation
Prepare the beneficiary's personal documents
Gather a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), current resume, educational credentials, and prior U.S. visa stamps if applicable. Translations are required for any documents not in English.
Copy of valid passport biographical page
Updated resume showing at least 1 year of qualifying foreign employment
Copies of prior U.S. visa stamps and I-94 records (if applicable)
Prepare the employer support letter
The letter should detail: the specific managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge duties; the beneficiary's qualifications; dates of foreign employment; proposed salary; and the intended duration of the U.S. assignment. It should be on company letterhead and signed by a senior officer.
Compile evidence of the beneficiary's qualifying role abroad
Include foreign employment verification letters, pay stubs or tax records from the foreign entity, job descriptions, and performance evaluations. For L-1A, show supervisory responsibilities. For L-1B, show specialized knowledge application.
Consular Processing and Entry
After I-129 approval, schedule a visa interview at a U.S. consulate
If the beneficiary is abroad, they attend a visa interview with the approved I-797 notice. Wait times vary by consulate — some posts have 2-8 week waits for interview appointments. Canadian citizens are generally visa-exempt and can apply at the port of entry.
Bring all required documents to the visa interview
Carry the original I-797 approval notice, DS-160 confirmation, passport, passport-size photo, employer support letter, and evidence of the qualifying relationship. The interview typically lasts 5-15 minutes.
Enter the U.S. and receive your I-94 admission record
Present your L-1 visa and I-797 approval to CBP at the port of entry. Your I-94 sets your authorized stay period. Check your electronic I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within a few days to confirm the correct classification and end date.
Plan for L-1 extensions or green card filing if needed
L-1A holders can extend up to 7 years total and are eligible for EB-1C green card (no PERM labor certification needed). L-1B holders can extend up to 5 years. File extensions at least 6 months before the current status expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B visas?
The L-1A is for managers and executives being transferred within a multinational company, with a maximum stay of 7 years. The L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge of the company's products, services, or procedures, with a maximum stay of 5 years. L-1A holders have a more direct path to a green card through the EB-1C category, which does not require PERM labor certification. The distinction between the two categories is one of the most litigated areas in business immigration law.
How long do I need to work abroad before qualifying for an L-1?
You must have worked for the qualifying organization (parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate of the US company) in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role for at least 1 continuous year within the 3 years preceding your L-1 application. Brief business trips to the US during that year generally do not interrupt the continuity requirement, but extended US stays may. The 1-year requirement cannot be waived under any circumstances.
Does the L-1 visa require a prevailing wage?
Unlike the H-1B, there is no prevailing wage requirement for the L-1 visa. The employer does not need to file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) or prove that the salary meets local wage standards. However, the employee must be compensated sufficiently to maintain their immigration status and avoid issues during green card processing later. This flexibility makes the L-1 attractive to multinational companies transferring employees from lower-cost countries.
Can L-1 visa holders change employers?
No, L-1 visa holders are tied to the petitioning employer and its qualifying parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate entities. If you want to work for a different company, you must change to another visa status (such as H-1B) through a new petition from the new employer. L-2 dependent spouses, however, receive automatic work authorization and can work for any employer without restrictions. Consult an immigration attorney before making any employer changes.