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L-1A Visa (Intra-Company Transfer – Executive or Manager)
The L-1A Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer executives or managers from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices. It provides a legal pathway for high-level professionals to work in the United States temporarily, with the potential to transition to permanent residency.
What is an L-1A Visa?
The L-1A Visa is specifically designed for executives and managers of multinational companies who are being transferred to the U.S. branch, affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company.
Key features of the L-1A Visa include:
Initial validity of 1–3 years, extendable up to 7 years for executives/managers.
Allows eligible spouse and unmarried children under 21 (L-2 visa) to accompany the visa holder.
Spouses on L-2 visas may apply for work authorization in the U.S.
Requires employment in a managerial or executive capacity at both the foreign and U.S. company.
Why Choose an L-1A Visa?
Enables multinational companies to relocate key executives or managers to the U.S. efficiently.
Spouse may work in the U.S. under L-2 work authorization.
Provides a pathway to permanent residency (Green Card) via EB-1C category.
Helps companies maintain leadership continuity and business operations in the U.S.
Ideal for executives or managers seeking professional growth in the U.S.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an L-1A Visa:
Must have worked for the foreign company for at least 1 year in the past 3 years.
Must be transferring to a U.S. office in an executive or managerial capacity.
Employer must be a multinational organization with qualifying relationships (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).
Must meet health, security, and admissibility standards.
L-1A Visa Process
Petition Filing (Form I-129): U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS, including supporting documents demonstrating the managerial/executive role and qualifying relationship.
USCIS Approval: Petition is reviewed and approved.
Visa Application & Interview: Apply for the L-1A visa at the U.S. consulate and attend an interview.
Entry to the U.S.: Upon approval, enter the U.S. to begin work in an executive or managerial role.
Extensions & Status Maintenance: L-1A status can be extended up to 7 years in total.
Documents Required
Valid passport.
Form I-129 petition and USCIS approval notice.
Proof of qualifying relationship between U.S. and foreign company.
Employment verification letters demonstrating executive or managerial role.
Organizational charts showing reporting structure and responsibilities.
Resume or CV of the applicant.
Birth and marriage certificates for dependents (L-2 visa applicants).
Additional supporting documents as requested by USCIS or consulate.
Timeline & Processing Time
USCIS Petition (Form I-129) Processing: 2–6 months (premium processing available: 15 calendar days).
Visa Application & Consular Interview: 2–4 weeks.
Overall Timeline: Typically 2–6 months, depending on premium processing and consular availability.
L-1A vs. L-1B Visa
L-1A: For executives and managers; initial stay 1–3 years, extendable up to 7 years.
L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge; initial stay 1–3 years, extendable up to 5 years.
How We Help
We provide full support for L-1A Visa applicants:
Guidance on eligibility for executive or managerial transfer.
Assistance with Form I-129 petition preparation and filing.
Support for gathering and organizing company documentation and organizational charts.
Guidance on visa application, consular interview, and dependent L-2 visas.
Step-by-step support for extensions or transition to EB-1C Green Card.
Why Choose Us for L-1A Visa Assistance?
Expertise in intra-company transfer visa applications.
Proven success in L-1A approvals for executives and managers.
Assistance with documentation, employer coordination, and interview preparation.
Transparent and step-by-step guidance for applicants and families.
Trusted partner for multinational companies and professionals relocating to the U.S.