L-1 Visa

Bring your key people, or your company, to the United States

The L-1 intracompany transferee visa allows a company with operations abroad to transfer executives, managers and employees with specialized knowledge to a related US company. It is also one of the main ways a foreign business owner can open a new US office and move to the United States to run it.

Two types of L-1 visa

L-1A: Executives and managers. For employees who will direct the organization, manage a major function or supervise other managers or professionals in the US. L-1A status can last up to 7 years in total, and many L-1A holders later qualify for a green card as multinational executives or managers (EB-1C).

L-1B: Specialized knowledge employees. For employees with advanced knowledge of the company’s products, services, processes or procedures that is not common in the industry. L-1B status can last up to 5 years in total.

Key requirements

• Qualifying relationship. The foreign company and the US company must be related as parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate.
• One year abroad. The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years before the petition.
• Qualifying role. The employee must have worked abroad, and will work in the US, in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge role.
• Doing business. Both companies must be actively doing business, and the foreign company must continue operating during the transfer.

Opening a new US office

If your company does not yet have a US presence, an L-1 new office petition can let you or a key manager come to the US to establish it. You will need to show that:

• You have secured physical premises for the US office
• The US office will be able to support an executive or managerial role within one year
• The foreign company has the financial ability to fund the US operation

New office L-1 visas are usually approved for one year at first. To extend, you show that the US business is up and running and has grown as planned.

The L-1 process

1. Structure review. We confirm the corporate relationship and the employee’s eligibility.
2. US entity setup. For new offices, we help coordinate company formation, the lease and the business plan.
3. Petition. The US company files Form I-129 with USCIS, with evidence of the companies and the role.
4. Visa or change of status. Once approved, the employee applies at a US consulate or, if eligible, changes status in the US.
5. Extensions and green card planning. We plan ahead for extensions and, for L-1A holders, a possible EB-1C green card.

Benefits for your family

Your spouse can work in the United States, and your children under 21 can attend US schools.

Frequently asked questions

I own my company abroad. Can I transfer myself? Yes, owners can qualify if they meet the role and employment requirements. We look closely at how your role is documented.

Is there a minimum investment for an L-1? No fixed amount is required, but the US company must be adequately funded to operate and grow.

Can an L-1 lead to a green card? L-1A holders often qualify for an EB-1C multinational executive or manager green card, which does not require labor certification.

Talk to an L-1 attorney

The structure of your US entity and the way your role is described matter in an L-1 case. Book a consultation before you set up your US company.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with an attorney.