What is a L-1 Visa
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An L-1 visa is a non-immigrant work visa that allows international companies to transfer employees from an office abroad to an office in the United States.
It’s used when a multinational company wants to move an employee to the U.S. temporarily to:
Open a new U.S. branch or office
Work in a managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge role at an existing U.S. location
Everything you need to know about L-1 Visas
1. Eligible Companies
Must be a qualifying organization: parent, branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of the U.S. business
The foreign office and U.S. office must have a corporate relationship
2. Eligible Employees
Must have worked at least 1 continuous year in the past 3 years for the foreign entity outside the U.S.
Must be coming to the U.S. to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized role
3. Purpose of Transfer
- To work in the U.S. in a role similar in level and function to the foreign role
L-1A:
For executives and managers
Can stay up to 7 years
Commonly used for setting up or expanding U.S. branches
L-1B:
For employees with specialized knowledge
Can stay up to 5 years
Must have deep knowledge of company processes, products, or services
L-1A – rExecutives o Managers
Make major decisions, oversee departments, or supervise other managers/professionals
Maximum stay: 1 year for a new office, up to 7 years total
L-1B – Specialized Knowledge Workers
Possess unique expertise about company products, processes, or services
Maximum stay: 1 year for a new office, up to 5 years total
| Visa Type | Initial Stay | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| L-1A (New Office) | 1 year | 7 years |
| L-1A (Existing Office) | 1–3 years | 7 years |
| L-1B | 1–3 years | 5 years |
Spouse and children (under 21) can accompany on L-2 visas
L-2 spouses can work with proper authorization
Children can attend school, but not work
Dual intent visa — You can apply for a green card while on an L-1
Great option for multinational expansion
No need for labor certification like other work visas
You haven’t worked with the foreign entity for 1 continuous year
The foreign company is not affiliated with the U.S. company
The U.S. entity is not active or doesn’t have physical premises (except when establishing a new office)