L-1 Intracompany Transferee Visa

Employment-Based Immigration

Introduction to the L-1 Visa - Herman Legal Group

The L-1 visa is a powerful nonimmigrant option for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to work in the United States. Whether the U.S. office is already established or being newly opened, the L-1 visa makes it possible for managers, executives, and employees with specialized knowledge to bring their expertise to an affiliated U.S. branch, subsidiary, or parent company.

For businesses, the L-1 visa is a strategic tool for expanding operations in the United States. For employees, it offers the opportunity to advance their careers on an international scale while potentially opening a pathway to permanent residency.

L-1 Visa vs. H-1B Visa: Key Differences

Although the L-1 visa shares some similarities with the H-1B specialty occupation visa, it offers several unique advantages. Below are some of the main distinctions:

No Degree Requirement: Unlike the H-1B, the L-1 visa does not mandate a specific education level, though qualifications are still carefully evaluated.
Two Categories: L-1 visas are divided into L-1A (executives and managers) and L-1B (specialized knowledge employees), while the H-1B only covers specialty occupations.
Employer Requirements: The petitioner must be a multinational company with qualifying relationships between U.S. and foreign entities.
Work Experience: Applicants must have worked for the sponsoring employer abroad for at least one continuous year within the last three years.
Duration: L-1 visas allow stays of up to seven years (L-1A) or five years (L-1B), compared to six years maximum for H-1B.
No Cap: Unlike the H-1B’s strict annual quota, there is no limit on the number of L-1 visas issued each year.

Types of L-1 Visas

L-1A Visa

The L-1A visa is designed for executives and managers who are being transferred to oversee operations in the U.S. This visa allows for an initial stay of one to three years, with extensions available up to seven years.

L-1A Visa

The L-1B visa applies to employees with specialized knowledge—unique skills or expertise vital to the company’s products, services, or procedures. L-1B holders may stay for an initial period of one to three years, extendable up to five years.

L-1 Blanket Petitions

One of the most convenient aspects of the L-1 visa program is the L-1 Blanket Petition, which allows qualified multinational companies to transfer multiple employees without filing separate petitions for each case.

To qualify for an L-1 blanket petition, a company must:

Have been operating in the U.S. for at least one year
Maintain at least three U.S. and overseas affiliates, subsidiaries, or branches
Meet at least one of the following:
- Secured 10 or more L-1 approvals in the past 12 months
- Generated $25 million in annual U.S. sales
- Employed at least 1,000 workers in the U.S.

This process reduces paperwork, speeds approvals, and allows businesses to transfer key employees efficiently.

L-2 Visas for Dependents

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of L-1 visa holders are eligible for L-2 visas, allowing families to accompany the principal applicant to the U.S.

Key benefits include:

Work Authorization: L-2 spouses may apply for employment authorization to work in the U.S.
Education: Spouses and children may enroll in U.S. schools and universities without restrictions.
Travel Flexibility: L-2 holders can travel in and out of the U.S. during the validity of their visa.

However, parents and other extended family members are not eligible for L-2 visas.

Violating these requirements can result in heavy fines and penalties.

Advantages of the L-1 Visa

The L-1 visa is one of the most business-friendly U.S. immigration options. Its advantages include:

No annual quota or lottery system
Flexibility for executives, managers, and specialized knowledge workers
Ability to transfer employees to open new U.S. offices
Eligibility for dependents to live, study, and (for spouses) work in the U.S.
Potential pathway to permanent residence through the EB-1C Green Card category

The Application Process

Applying for an L-1 visa involves several steps:

Documentation: Prove that both the U.S. and foreign companies are legally established and maintain a qualifying relationship.
Eligibility: Show that the employee has worked with the foreign entity for at least one of the past three years in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role.
Filing: Submit Form I-129 with the L supplement (Form I-129L) along with the required fees.
Review: Respond to any USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Approval & Visa Issuance: Once approved, the applicant may apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.

For urgent cases, Premium Processing is available, guaranteeing a decision within 15 days.

Pathway to a Green Card

The L-1 visa is often considered a stepping stone to permanent residency. L-1A holders, in particular, may qualify for the EB-1C Multinational Manager or Executive Green Card without needing labor certification.

This dual intent feature—allowing visa holders to apply for a green card while maintaining nonimmigrant status—makes the L-1 especially attractive compared to other visa categories.

Why Choose Herman Legal Group for L-1 Visa Assistance?

At Herman Legal Group, we understand the complexities of intracompany transfers and the high stakes for both employers and employees. Our team offers:

Decades of Experience: Over 30 years helping businesses and individuals achieve successful immigration outcomes.
Tailored Strategies: Customized legal strategies based on your company’s size, industry, and long-term goals.
Multilingual Support: Our attorneys speak more than 12 languages to serve clients worldwide.
Proven Results: Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Law Firm” in immigration law.