L-1 Visa
For executives, managers, and specialized-knowledge employees transferring from a foreign office to a related U.S. office - or opening a brand-new U.S. office.
For executives, managers, and specialized-knowledge employees transferring from a foreign office to a related U.S. office - or opening a brand-new U.S. office.
At a glance
Yes - related entities
No
Yes (L-1A → EB-1C)
Moderate
15 business days (premium)
4+ roles
Ideal candidates
Overview
Understanding this pathway
The L-1 visa allows a multinational employer to transfer qualifying employees from a foreign office to a related U.S. office. L-1A covers executives and managers (up to 7 years); L-1B covers specialized-knowledge employees (up to 5 years). Both bypass the H-1B lottery and allow dual intent, and L-1A is the direct feeder for the EB-1C multinational manager green card. "New-office" L-1 petitions - used when the U.S. entity is less than a year old - carry extra scrutiny and require a detailed business plan plus proof of physical premises.
Who it's for
Employees who have worked abroad for at least one continuous year in the past three at a qualifying multinational company, in an executive, managerial, or specialized-knowledge role.
Why it exists
To allow global companies - including founder-led startups with an existing foreign entity - to move key personnel into their U.S. operations without lottery or per-country limits.
In practice
A merit-based route built for real careers, not lotteries.
Key benefits
Why founders and specialists choose it
No lottery
File any time; decisions are on merit.
Dual intent
Pursue a green card without jeopardizing your L-1.
L-2 spouse works
L-2 spouses are automatically work-authorized.
New-office option
Open a U.S. subsidiary and transfer in as its first executive.
Path to EB-1C
L-1A managers/executives feed directly into the EB-1C green card.
Renewable
2-year increments up to 7 years (L-1A) or 5 years (L-1B).
Fit check
Is this the right path for you?
This pathway is designed with specific profiles in mind. If any of these describe you, it's worth a deeper look.
Self-assessment
Eligibility requirements
Tick what applies to you
0%
Paper trail
Documents you'll gather
Tick what you've gathered
0%
Timeline
Your journey, mapped
Step 1 of 6
Consultation
1–3 days to confirm qualifying relationship and role.
Step 2 of 6
Evidence Building
3–6 weeks assembling corporate and employment evidence.
Step 3 of 6
Petition Drafting
2–4 weeks preparing the legal brief and exhibits.
Step 4 of 6
USCIS Filing
File Form I-129 with the L supplement.
Step 5 of 6
Decision
15 business days with premium, or 2–5+ months standard.
Step 6 of 6
Consular or COS
Visa stamping abroad or change of status in the U.S.
Investment
What it costs
Transparent pricing
No surprises, just clarity on what you're investing in.
I-129 Filing Fee
$695 – $1,385
Small-employer discount applies.
Fraud Prevention Fee
$500
Required on initial L-1 petitions.
Asylum Program Fee
$300 – $600
Nonprofit / small-employer discount available.
Premium Processing
$2,965
Optional - 15-business-day decision.
Attorney Fees
$6,999 – $8,975
Higher for new-office petitions.
FAQ
Frequently asked
Related pathways
If this isn't the right fit, explore…
O-1 Visa
A merit-based nonimmigrant visa recognizing sustained achievement across sciences, business, education, athletics, arts, film, or television - no annual cap, no lottery.
ExploreCap-Exempt H-1B
The H-1B, without the March lottery - available through universities, university-affiliated nonprofits, and government or nonprofit research organizations, year-round.
ExploreFounder Pathways
A portfolio of visas - O-1A, International Entrepreneur Parole, E-2, and L-1A - that support founders at every stage, from pre-seed to Series B.
ExploreNext step
Ready to explore L-1 Visa?
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