L-1
L-1A is for executives and managers; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. The relationship between the foreign company and the US operation is essential, as is the role the employee actually performs.
Foreign employment and corporate relationship
Generally, one continuous year of employment abroad with the qualifying organization within the preceding three years must be established. Organizational charts, ownership links, employment history and job descriptions help demonstrate eligibility. Opening a new office requires additional operational documentation.
L-1A and L-1B: different roles
L-1A allows executives and managers to transfer to an eligible U.S. operation, including establishing a new office. L-1B serves employees with specialized knowledge related to the company. A job title alone is insufficient: duties, responsibilities and required knowledge must establish the requested classification.
The employer files the petition
The employer files the L-1 petition. A qualifying relationship between the businesses must be established, such as parent, branch, subsidiary or affiliate. The organization must conduct business in the United States and at least one other country throughout the professional’s stay, directly or through a qualifying organization. Simply registering a company or maintaining an address does not demonstrate actual operations.
L-1 limits on stay
For established operations, initial approval may be for up to three years; for a new office, up to one year. Extensions may be granted in periods of up to two years, within the general limit of seven years for L-1A and five for L-1B. Certain prior periods in H or L status may count toward the limit. Time outside the United States and exceptions must be documented and assessed individually.
U.S. entry and authorized stay
Even with a valid visa, CBP decides admission at entry. Form I-94 records the classification and authorized stay, which must not be confused with the visa’s validity in the passport. Immigration intent rules vary: L-1 permits dual intent, but this does not turn a transfer into automatic Green Card approval.
Opening a new U.S. office
L-1 can support opening a U.S. operation linked to the foreign business. The application requires suitable premises and evidence of resources and planning appropriate to the operation. For L-1A, the business must be shown to support a managerial or executive position within one year. An extension requires evidence of operations and the work actually performed, not just a business plan.
L-2 family members and spousal employment
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany the principal as L-2 dependents, subject to the requirements. A spouse in valid L-2S status is employment authorized incident to status; appropriate documentation, such as the corresponding I-94, evidences this authorization. Children do not receive employment authorization through this relationship. Maintaining dependent status also depends on the L-1 principal’s situation.
Fee update — September 2026
Since September 9, 2026, the additional US$4,500 L-1 9-11 Biometric Fee also applies to extension-of-status petitions filed by covered employers, including those without an employer change. It covers employers with at least 50 U.S. employees when more than 50% are collectively in H-1B, L-1A or L-1B status. It is not a universal charge. Amendment-only petitions without an extension are exempt from this fee; the rule provides for its application to petitions filed through September 30, 2027. Other fees and conditions must be checked before filing.
How we can help
01 · Understand
Your history and goals guide the initial assessment and identification of relevant issues.
02 · Organize
The team identifies the information and evidence needed and explains the scope of the proposed work.
03 · Follow through
You receive guidance on the stages of our services and next steps, according to the agreed scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is L-1 a Green Card?
No. It is a temporary intracompany transfer category. Any permanent residence strategy requires a separate assessment, even where it shares features with EB-1C.
What is the difference between L-1A and L-1B?
L-1A is for executives and managers; L-1B is for employees with specialized knowledge. Both depend on a petitioning company and the corporate relationship and foreign employment requirements.
Must I have worked for the company outside the US?
Generally, one continuous year of qualifying employment abroad within the applicable three-year period is required. The role, corporate relationship and entry history must be assessed; remote work from the United States does not automatically qualify as employment abroad.
Can I open a U.S. business through L-1?
Yes, when the operation is a new office of a qualifying organization and the requirements are met. Opening a company alone does not grant the visa. The corporate relationship, experience, resources, premises and an eligible role must be demonstrated.
Is being a shareholder or business owner enough?
No. An owner may be considered but must meet the requirements for prior employment and the proposed role. Holding shares or a director title does not replace evidence of executive, managerial or specialized-knowledge duties.
What does specialized knowledge mean for L-1B?
It means special knowledge of the organization’s products, services or other interests and their international application, or advanced knowledge of its processes and procedures. General professional experience is not enough; the nature and relevance of that knowledge to the company must be demonstrated.
How long does L-1 last?
Generally, up to three years initially for an established operation and up to one year for a new office. Extensions of up to two years are subject to the general seven-year limit for L-1A and five-year limit for L-1B, taking account of history and applicable exceptions.
Can my spouse work and my children accompany me?
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify as L-2 dependents. A spouse in valid L-2S status is authorized to work incident to status with appropriate documentation. Children do not receive employment authorization as L-2 dependents.
How does the transfer process begin?
The company gathers evidence of the relationship between operations, employment abroad and the U.S. role and files a petition with USCIS. The consular stage or change of status then depends on the beneficiary’s situation. Separate procedures exist for organizations with blanket approval; that approval does not waive individual eligibility.
Do I need to send documents when I first get in touch?
The team will explain which information is needed and the appropriate channel for sending private documents.
Can approval or a timeline be guaranteed?
No. Government decisions and processing times depend on the authorities and the circumstances of each case.
Information in context
Informational content. Eligibility, documentation and strategy depend on individual assessment and the rules applicable to the case.
Official reference ↗USCIS — L-1B ↗L-1 fee rule — September 2026 ↗