Have a question
L-1B Visa (Intra-Company Transfer – Specialized Knowledge Employee)
The L-1B Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows multinational companies to transfer employees with specialized knowledge from their foreign offices to their U.S. offices. It is designed for professionals with unique skills or expertise that are essential to the company’s operations in the United States.
What is an L-1B Visa?
The L-1B Visa is intended for employees who possess specialized knowledge about the company’s products, services, processes, or procedures and are being transferred to a U.S. office.
Key features of the L-1B Visa include:
Initial validity of 1–3 years, extendable up to 5 years.
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 specialized knowledge capacity at both the foreign and U.S. company.
Why Choose an L-1B Visa?
Enables multinational companies to transfer employees with essential knowledge to the U.S.
Spouse may work in the U.S. under L-2 work authorization.
Provides temporary U.S. work authorization while contributing to the company’s success.
Supports business operations with skilled employees familiar with proprietary processes.
Ideal for employees seeking international experience and professional growth.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an L-1B 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 a specialized knowledge capacity.
Employer must be a multinational organization with a qualifying relationship (parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary).
Must meet health, security, and admissibility standards.
L-1B Visa Process
Petition Filing (Form I-129): U.S. employer submits Form I-129 with supporting documentation demonstrating specialized knowledge and qualifying relationship.
USCIS Approval: Petition is reviewed and approved.
Visa Application & Interview: Apply for the L-1B 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 a specialized knowledge role.
Extensions & Status Maintenance: L-1B status can be extended up to 5 years 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 specialized knowledge.
Detailed description of the employee’s unique skills, processes, or proprietary knowledge.
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-1B vs. L-1A Visa
L-1A: For executives and managers; valid up to 7 years.
L-1B: For employees with specialized knowledge; valid up to 5 years.
How We Help
We provide full support for L-1B Visa applicants:
Guidance on eligibility for specialized knowledge transfers.
Assistance with Form I-129 petition preparation and submission.
Support for gathering and organizing company documentation and role descriptions.
Guidance on visa application, consular interview, and dependent L-2 visas.
Step-by-step support for extensions or transition to other work visa categories.
Why Choose Us for L-1B Visa Assistance?
Expertise in specialized knowledge intra-company transfer visas.
Proven success in L-1B approvals for multinational companies.
Assistance with documentation, employer coordination, and interview preparation.
Transparent and step-by-step guidance for applicants and families.
Trusted partner for multinational companies and skilled professionals relocating to the U.S.