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L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee)
The L-1 Visa is a non-immigrant work visa that enables a multinational company to temporarily transfer certain executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge employees from an affiliated foreign office to one of its offices in the United States. It is a critical tool for global companies expanding or operating in the U.S. and is known for its “dual intent” provision, meaning the holder can seek permanent residency without jeopardizing their temporary status.
The L-1 Visa is split into two primary categories:
L-1A Visa: Executives and Managers
The L-1A visa is for employees coming to the U.S. to work in a managerial or executive capacity. This role involves directing the management of the organization or a major component or function.
Initial Stay: Up to 3 years (or 1 year if establishing a new U.S. office).
Maximum Stay: A total of 7 years.
Green Card Path: L-1A holders have an advantageous path to permanent residency via the EB-1C (Multinational Executive or Manager) immigrant visa, which generally waives the lengthy labor certification process.
L-1B Visa: Specialized Knowledge
The L-1B visa is for employees possessing specialized knowledge—that is, special knowledge of the company’s product, service, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests and its application in international markets, which is distinct or uncommon.
Initial Stay: Up to 3 years (or 1 year if establishing a new U.S. office).
Maximum Stay: A total of 5 years.
Green Card Path: L-1B holders typically pursue permanent residency through the EB-2 or EB-3 categories, which generally require the employer to complete the PERM labor certification process.
Key Features of the L-1 Visa
Intracompany Transfer: The employee must have worked for the foreign company for at least one continuous year within the three years preceding the transfer.
Qualifying Relationship: The U.S. company must have a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch relationship with the foreign company. Both companies must be actively “doing business” (providing goods/services) in the U.S. and at least one other country.
Dual Intent: The L-1 visa is a “dual intent” visa. This means L-1 holders can legally enter and work in the U.S. temporarily while simultaneously intending to seek permanent residency (a Green Card).
No Annual Cap: Unlike some other work visas, the L-1 visa is not subject to an annual numerical limit or lottery, making it a reliable option for company transfers.
Dependents (L-2 Visa): The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of the L-1 holder are eligible for the L-2 dependent visa. L-2 spouses are authorized to apply for work authorization in the U.S.
Eligibility Requirements Summary
To qualify for an L-1 Visa:
The U.S. and foreign company must be related (parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch).
The foreign employee must have worked for the company abroad for a continuous one year out of the last three years.
The work abroad and the intended work in the U.S. must be in a qualifying capacity (executive, manager, or specialized knowledge).
The L-1 visa is highly valued for providing a flexible and expedited way for key personnel to establish and manage a company’s presence in the United States.