L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa
Work visa for managers, executives, and specialized knowledge employees transferred within a multinational company
Max
5β7 yr
Cap
None
Form
I-129
Overview
The L-1 visa allows multinational companies to transfer employees from a foreign affiliate, subsidiary, or parent to a US office. There are two subtypes: L-1A for managers and executives (valid up to 7 years), and L-1B for employees with specialized knowledge (valid up to 5 years). Unlike the H-1B, the L-1 has no annual cap and no lottery, making it a valuable alternative for qualifying companies and employees. It also supports dual intent, allowing holders to pursue a green card simultaneously.
Eligibility Requirements
Qualifying relationship between foreign and US employer
The foreign company and US company must have a qualifying relationship: parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch. Both entities must be actively doing business.
L-1A: Managerial or executive role
You must have worked in a managerial or executive capacity abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years, and the US position must also be managerial or executive.
L-1B: Specialized knowledge
You must possess advanced proprietary knowledge of the company's products, services, research, systems, or procedures, and have worked for the company abroad for at least 1 continuous year within the past 3 years.
1-year foreign employment requirement
You must have been continuously employed by the qualifying organization abroad for at least 1 year within the 3 years immediately preceding the US admission.
Application Process
Employer files Form I-129 with L supplement
2β4 months (standard), 15 business days (premium processing)The US employer files Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with an L classification supplement. For new offices (operating less than 1 year), additional documentation is required.
USCIS adjudicates the petition
2β4 months standard; 15 business days premiumUSCIS reviews the petition and supporting evidence of the qualifying relationship, your role, and your employment history. RFEs may be issued for L-1B cases requiring proof of specialized knowledge.
Visa stamping (if outside the US)
1β6 weeks depending on consulateIf you are outside the US, apply for an L-1 visa stamp at a US consulate with your approved I-129 approval notice (I-797).
Enter the US and begin work
Immediate upon approval and entryPresent your visa and I-797 at the port of entry. You may begin working for the US entity upon entry.
Timeline
L-1 processing takes 2β4 months standard, or 15 business days with premium processing. Initial validity is typically 3 years (1 year for new offices), extendable to 7 years for L-1A and 5 years for L-1B.